Characteristics of the Distribution and Control Factors of Polymetallic Nodules in the West Region of CCFZ (China Pioneer Area)

The tectonic setting of the west region of the Reserved Area of the International Seabed Authority is the same as that of China Pioneer Area. They have similar characteristics of topography and nodule distribution. To research and analyse the characteristics and control factors of nodule distribution can help the establishment of a geological model and the assessment of the polymetallic nodule resource. From the year of 1991 till 2000 COMRA (China Ocean Mineral Resource Research and Development Association) carried out phase 1 and 2 of the exploration and resource assessment project of polymetallic nodules in China Pioneer Area. The features of topography and geo logy, and the distribution of polymetallic nodules and control factors have been clearly understood. The results show that the formation and types and spatial features of abundance and grade of nodules resulted from several factors, the tectonic features (volcanism and faulting) and seafloor topography play an important role in the geological process of the formation of polymetallic nodules.