Sedimentological impacts of INDEX experiment
Abstract
The polymetallic nodule exploration programme (PMN) has already identified one Indian mine site in the Central Indian Basin (CIB) where deep-sea mining activities are likely to start in future. In order to assess the probable impacts of nodule mining on the surrounding environments in CIB, the benthic disturbance experiment was carried out by operating the sediment resuspension equipment (disturber) in the Indian Pioneer Area. Results of extensive studies conducted before and after the disturber experiment suggest that noticeable changes occur in the sediment texture, clay mineralogy and grain size parameters. The grain size and mineralogical data has further been utilized in characterizing the sediment plume as well as its direction of movement. The results are presented the post-disturbance effects on benthic environment are discussed.
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