Evaluation of Co-rich manganese deposits by image analysis and photogrammetric techniques

Abstract

Stereo-seabed photographs of Co-rich manganese deposits on a mid-Pacific seamount, were analysed using an image analysis software for coverage estimation and size classification of nodules, and a photogrammetric software for calculation of height differences in the microtopography of seafloor. The preliminary results of these analyses show that many locations have high crust coverage (>90%), as well as large nodule populations (60-70% coverage). Nodule sizes range from <1 to >10 cm, and their distribution varies from uniform to inhomogeneous. The local microtopography of the of the seafloor is influenced by the variation in coverage and sizes of the crusts and nodules as well as their surface features. These data are important inputs for resource estimation of these mineral deposits