Ferromanganese Nodule and Crust Geochemistry from Dampier Ridge and Lord Howe Rise

Chemical and mineralogical data for four ferromanganese samples collected by the West German vessel Sonne. The samples include nodules and crusts from two stations off eastern Australia, with water depths ranging from 1549 to 2700 meters. The dataset, provided by the Australian Ocean Data Network, was last updated on 2026-06-16.

Use Cases

• Classifying hydrogenetic ferromanganese deposits based on described mineralogy and morphology.
• Modeling the relationship between water depth and metal content (Ni, Cu, Co, Mn:Fe ratios) as indicated in the description.
• Identifying potential areas for economic exploration of nodules based on the described geochemical thresholds.

Strengths

• Includes specific geochemical measurements such as Mn:Fe ratios (0.48-0.91) and low Ni, Cu, Co contents.
• Provides detailed sample context, including precise water depths (1549m, 2400-2700m) and substrate types (granite, gabbro, sandstone).
• Compares results with data from other research vessels (Galathea, Tangaroa) mentioned in the description.

Limitations

• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Dataset is small, containing data for only four physical samples.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Samples collected via dredge and core from research vessel Sonne.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-16 17:58:48.421796; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Dampier Ridge and Lord Howe Rise off eastern Australia.