Ferromanganese Nodule and Crust Data from Eastern Australian Waters

Four ferromanganese samples from two stations provide chemical and mineralogical data. The samples include two nodules and two crusts collected from the Dampier Ridge and Lord Howe Rise by the West German vessel Sonne. The dataset was published by the Australian Ocean Data Network and last updated in April 2026.

Use Cases

• Analyze Mn:Fe ratios and Ni, Cu, Co content to classify deposit origin as hydrogenetic.
• Compare sample thickness (up to 20 cm) and morphology (mononucleate vs. polynucleate nodules, laminated crusts) with substrate type (granite, gabbro, sandstone).
• Correlate water depth (1549 m to 2700 m) with chemical composition metrics like Mn:Fe ratios and Ni+Cu+Co values.
• Use station location data (Dampier Ridge, Lord Howe Rise) to map deposit distribution and identify sampling areas for economic exploration.

Strengths

• Data includes four distinct sample types (nodules and crusts) from two geographic stations.
• Provides specific depth ranges (1549 m to 2700 m) and substrate information for each sample location.
• Contains quantified chemical ratios (Mn:Fe ratios of 0.48-0.91) and element percentages for comparison.

Limitations

• Very small sample size of only four physical samples limits statistical analysis.
• Geographic coverage is limited to two specific areas off eastern Australia.
• Data is presented in PDF/HTML formats, which may require extraction for computational analysis.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Samples collected via dredge and core by the West German vessel Sonne, with subsequent laboratory analysis.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Dampier Ridge and Lord Howe Rise off eastern Australia.