Workshop on the Establishment of a Geological Model of ...

CHAPTER 3
A RESOURCE MODEL FOR DEEP SEABED POLYMETALLIC
NODULES IN THE RESERVED AREAS
Robert de L'Etoile, Project Manager, Geostat Systems International Inc., Laval, Québec,
Canada
FOREWORD
This document describes a resource model of the Clarion‐Clipperton Zone. The model was elaborated in
2001 and was described in a technical report submitted to the Authority by the author. It should be viewed
as a presentation document focused on the description of the resource model and its potential uses.
A. Introduction
The objective of this study is to model the resources of seabed polymetallic nodules confined in the
reserved areas. The reserved areas are located in the Pacific Ocean between 150° and 158° longitude and
between 8° and 17° latitude approximately, and in the Central Indian Ocean. The reserved areas are
subdivided into 24 blocks (blocks 1 to 24). Blocks 1 to 23 are located in the Pacific Ocean and block 24 is
located in the Indian Ocean. The description of the international status of these blocks is beyond the scope
of this study. From a technical standpoint, they will be referenced only by their number. Reference to their
country of origin, when mentioned, is used solely for clarity and historical references.
This technical study will help the Authority to establish the global seabed nodules resources under its
jurisdiction.
A resource model characterizes and describes the quantity and grade of the chemical elements and the
abundance of nodules in the areas. As such, it is a component of a broader model called the geologic model.
The latter describes all aspects of the seabed nodules deposits; the genesis, the nodule formation
mechanisms, the natural characteristics of the environment, etc.
The resource model is deterministic. It is constructed from data coming from the collected samples
over the areas. The geologic model contains both deterministic data and characteristics that are assumed,
hypothesized or derived from related science and knowledge.
This document describes the nature of the resource model that was derived by Geostat Systems
International Inc. during an assignment carried out by the International Seabed Authority in May 2001. The
first part of the document describes the characteristics, its construction methodology and parameters.
1. Geographical aspects of the reserved areas
The geographical aspect pertinent to the resource model is characterized by the locale of the reserved
areas and by the bathymetry over the areas. Other characteristics such as the paleo‐climate, water
temperature, and currents, are not considered material to the resource model but are an integral part of the
broader geologic model.
2. Location and size of the reserved areas
Figure 1 shows the location of reserved and pioneer areas in the Pacific Ocean.
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