Variation in size, morphology and chemical composition of polymetallic nodules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin

Abstract

Chemical composition of 613 polymetallic nodules from 150 stations in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) are determined and variations in Mn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn and moisture content are studied with respect to their size and surface texture. Using these parameters nodule forming processes governing the size are discussed and three models for the formation of nodules are suggested