Selected Decisions and Documents - International Seabed Authority

of the GIS Atlas an interactive web interface has been developed. The system is the most comprehensive
global geographic information system on the deep seabed and its resources. The online tool aims to
disseminate the available data on resource potential as well as other physical, political and environmental
information. The different seabed features can be interactively displayed in various contexts and visually
analysed at different scales. Relevant spatial information is constantly added with the objective to further
compile a holistic, public geographical information system.
90. Recognizing the fact that most of the data maintained by the secretariat are spatial data, the central
data repository and the GIS has been integrated, allowing for a better understanding of spatial relationships.
A common graphical interface for all of the secretariat’s public information systems has also been designed.
As an integrated information and knowledge management system the redesigned central data repository
interface will provide access to the searchable database of minerals sampling data, the digital atlas of the
seabed, including its interactive web interface, the bibliographic database and the library catalogue and the
patents database, as well as a section for scientific, economic and legal background information. Over the
next year, the secretariat will continue its efforts to cooperate with national agencies and other research
institutions so that it will be able to better provide geographic information in support of decision‐making by
the bodies of the Authority.
F. Ongoing assessment of available data relating to prospecting and
exploration for polymetallic nodules in the Clarion‐Clipperton zone
91. During the period under review, the Authority continued work on the development of a geological
model of polymetallic nodule deposits in the Clarion‐Clipperton zone. During 2008, Phase I of the project was
completed and Phase II was taken up. The main tasks accomplished during 2008 were the following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Processing of all available resource data to produce 0.1 o ‐grid averages for posting on the
Authority’s Virtual Private Network;
Completion of a series of illustrative maps of available sediment data, using three‐dimensional
modelling techniques;
Examination of the tectonic and volcanic maps prepared under Phase I to produce a detailed
report;
Preparation of a report on the morphology of nodules and a study of the growth history of
nodules in the Clarion‐Clipperton zone;
Estimation of particulate organic carbonate carbon export fluxes with the study area, based on
the available chlorophyll data;
Preparation of an analysis using the Spatial Decision Support System programme suite to
identify promising areas for exploration within the Clarion‐Clipperton zone and completion of
maps of the potential nodule resources in the Clarion‐Clipperton zone from Spatial Decision
Support System methods indicating areas with the highest potential;
Construction of a database of estimated proxies of mineralization favourability in data poor
areas;
Improvement of the resource estimate of metal content and nodule abundances using
appropriate methods including three‐dimensional modelling techniques, developing local scale
maps from the three sites with detailed bathymetry data and examining the apparent
relationship between bathymetry, metal content, and nodule abundances.
92. The individual team member reports have subsequently been compiled into a single document of
common format and the draft geological model and prospector’s guide have already been reviewed by the
team members. The two documents are presently being peer‐reviewed by experts after which the documents
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