Hawaii Abyssal Nodules

Oceanographic and geologic criteria indicate that abyssal manganese nodules may occur in the abyssal regions of the southeastern portion of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Hawaii, which has been largely unmapped and unexplored. The goals of this research project are to ground truth the occurrence of abyssal manganese nodules, determine what water column, seafloor, and sub-seafloor features exist in these abyssal regions, observe nodule distribution and abundance as well as the concomitant fauna, and collect physical samples of nodules, sediments, and biology. These data will help characterize the geological and biological environment in this prospective abyssal nodule region and inform critical mineral and ecosystem resource potential.