Minerals Report - International Seabed Authority

the Juan-de-Fuca Ridge, the Guaymas basin in California Bay, some areas in
the south-western Pacific Ocean as well as 4 regions on the Mid-Atlantic
Ridge (MAR). (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Fe-Mn nodules, Co crusts and massive sulphides distribution in the World Ocean
The first set of data was obtained on the precise position and structure
of the largest among the currently known deposits, which was named after
the "Mir" submersible (Rona et al., 1993). Recent studies by the Shirshov
Institute were conducted in Rainbow, Lucky Strike and Logatchev
hydrothermal fields.
Investigations by the Ministry of Natural Resources were initially
carried out in the Pacific Ocean. Large segments of the East Pacific Rise (EPR)
– from the Equator to 13° N and from 20° to 22° S were mapped as a result of
recognition studies. Six (6) new areas of sulphides mineralisation as well as
numerous sites of presumed hydrothermal activity were discovered in the
northern part of the East Pacific Rise.
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY 176