The behaviour of deep-sea sediments under the impact of nodule mining processes

摘要: Abstract The complex processes of the suspension, resettling and consolidation behaviour deep-sea sediments caused by deep-ocean mining were investigated on board German RV Sonne in laboratory using sediment from uppermost semi-liquid layer Peru Basin. On-board tests accomplished directly with undisturbed samples recovered maxicorer, a sampling device especially developed for such studies. impact was simulated use propeller-generated water jet. results used to prepare substitute top large-scale simulate sea-floor conditions be expected during manganese nodule mining. In line design most miners, these performed jets. amounts displaced suspended determined as behaviour. revealed that mean value 16% remainder remoulded laterally short distance, but not into column. on-board confirmed have great significance prediction clouds generated ocean-mining activities. Additionally, effects formation aggregates due temperature particle concentration investigated. It demonstrated high within suspension accelerate aggregation process thus lead enhanced resettlement particles. Finally, fabric resettled evaluated its void ratio process. is estimated it will take at least 20 years regain original density.