Experimental and Numerical Modelling of Deep-Sea-Mining-Generated Turbidity Currents

Renewable energy installations and storage solutions require significant quantities of critical raw materials such as nickel, cobalt rare earth metals. The supply chains these face many difficulties, the continuous decrease mineral ore grades on land. In view complications, motivation to search for new resources has grown, with deep sea being seen a potential source minerals. Polymetallic nodule mining generates turbidity currents, which could negatively impact deep-sea environment. For that reason, we investigate this type current experimentally numerically in order characterize generated current. Various non-cohesive sediment types, i.e., different particle sizes, concentrations are tested using lock-exchange set-up. Three types (glass beads, silica sand 50/50 blend glass beads sand) seven initial examined. Additionally, numerical work, drift–flux modelling approach is used simulate performed experiments. results show front velocities currents resulting from three increases increasing inside lock regardless. Moreover, same concentration, difference between decreases concentration increases. When an volumetric 2.5% 3%, vanishes. Finally, by comparing experimental results, model proven be reliable predicting