Chemostratigraphic and Textural Indicators of Nucleation and Growth of Polymetallic Nodules from the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (IOM Claim Area)

The detailed mineralogical and microgeochemical characteristics of polymetallic nodules collected from the Interoceanmetal Joint Organization (IOM, Szczecin, Poland) claim area, Eastern Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ, Pacific) were described in this study. obtained data applied for delimitation nodule growth generations estimation ratios (back-stripping using Co-chronometer method). methods included bulk X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), providing information about Mn-Fe minerals clays composing nodules, as well geochemical zonation generations. analyzed mostly diagenetic (Mn/Fe > 5), with less influence on hydrogenous processes, dominated by presence 10-Å phyllomanganates represented todorokite/buserite, additionally mixed birnessite vernadite. specific lithotype (intranodulith), being an integral part developed a result secondary processes lithification cementation Fe-rich (potentially nontronite smectite), barite, zeolites (Na-phillipsite), bioapatite, biogenic remnants, detrital material, occurs holes, microcaverns, open fractures between ore colloforms. contents ?(Ni, Cu, Co) varied 1.54 to 3.06 wt %. Several remnants siliceous microorganisms (radiolarians diatoms) found form pseudomorphs. method indicated that nodules’ age is mainly Middle Pliocene Pleistocene, rates are typical hydrogenetic–diagenetic (HD) processes. Additionally, few showed suboxic conditions nucleation. Growth eastern CCFZ deposit might have been induced Plio-Pleistocene changes paleooceanographic related deglaciation Northern Hemisphere.