ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS - FROM LARGE-SCALE ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE DEEP SEA -A DESK STUDY-

Oct 13, 2026

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A desk study examining environmental risks associated with large-scale ecological research activities in the deep sea. It focuses on key deep-sea resources and the possible consequences of extracting them, including impacts potentially linked to mining methods and related research needs. The document also addresses deep-sea wastes, covering munitions and radioactive wastes, and outlines disposal techniques and impact evaluation research. Structured references support assessment across major deep-sea categories.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryGeneral

FormatPDF

Pages232

Reading Time1 h 21 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Impact of Research in the Deep Sea: An Introduction

Ores in the Deep Sea

Manganese Nodules

Manganese Crusts

Polymetallic Sulphides: Metalliferous Muds

Polymetallic Sulphides: Massive Consolidated Sulphides

Phosphorite

Wastes in the Deep Sea

Munitions

Radioactive Wastes

SCIENCE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT E U R O P E A N COMMI S SION Practical information and programmes Marine scienceand technology Environmental risksfrom large-scaleecological researchin the deep sea:a desk study EUROPEAN COMMISSION Edith CRESSON,Member of the Commissionresponsible for research,innovation,education,training and youth # DG XII/D.3—RTD actions:Environment —Marine sciences and technologies Contact:Mr Klaus-Günther Barthel Address:European Commission,nue de la Loi 200 (SDME 7/83),B-1049 Brussels —Tel.(32-2)29-51242;fax(32-2)29-63024 | ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
FROM
LARGE-SCALE ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE DEEP SEA
-A DESK STUDY- | | --- | BY HJALMAR THIEL,MARTINV.ANGEL,ERIC J.FOELL,ANTHONY L.RICE AND GERD SCHRIEVER WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ANDREAS BELOW (PHOSPHORITES)PETER M.HAUGAN(CARBON DIOXIDE)HOWARD S.J.RoE(NUCLEAR WASTES)ROBERT TALLACK(DISPOSALTECHNIQUES) PREPARED FOR COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES DIRECTORATE-GENERALFOR SCIENCE,RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENTUNDER CONTRACT No.MAS2-CT94-0086 BREMERHAVEN1997 A great deal of additional information on the European Union is available on the Internet.It can be accessed through the Europa server(http://europa.eu.int). Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication. Luxembourg:Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,1998 ISBN 92-828-3517-0 ◎European Communities,1998Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Printed in Belgium PRINTED ON WHITE CHLORINE-FREE PAPER TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………I List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………IV List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………VI List of Acronyms used…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………VII Excecutive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………X 1. Impact of Research in the Deep Sea:An Introduction…………………………………………………………1 2. Ores in the Deep Sea……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5 2.1 Manganese Nodules ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 2.1.1. Resource Description……………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 2.1.2. Description of Mining Techniques …………………………………………………………………………13 2.1.2.1. Continuous Line Bucket(CLB)System………………………………………………13 2.1.2.2. Autonomous Robot Submersible Shuttles………………………………………………15 2.1.2.3. Collector Systems……………………………………………………………………………15 2.1.2.3.1. Mechanical Collectors………………………………………………………………17 2.1.2.3.2. Hydraulic and Hybrid Collectors…………………………………18 2.1.3. Potential Effects of Mining…………………………………………………………………………………………19 2.1.4. Research Required to evaluate the Effects of Mining…………………………………………24 2.2. Manganese Crusts …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………31 2.2.1. Resource Description……………………………………………………………………………………………………………31 2.2.2. Description of Mining Techniques……………………………………………………………………………3 2.2.2.1. Continuous Line Bucket(CLB)Crust Mining System…………………34 2.2.2.2. Combined Mechanical Fragmentation/Hydraulic Lift Systems……35 2.2.2.3. Submarine Solution Mining System………………………………………………………36 2.2.3. Potential Effects of Mining………………………………………………………………………………………………37 2.2.4. Research Required to Evaluate the Effects of Mining…………………………………………39 2.3. Polymetallic Sulphides: Metalliferous Muds………………………………………………………………41 2.3.1. Resource Description…………………………………………………………………………………………………………41 2.3.2. Description of Mining Techniques ………………………………………………………………………45 2.3.3. Potential Effects of Mining…………………………………………………………………………………………48 2.3.4. Research Required to Evaluate the Effects of Mining……………………………………………53 2.4. Polymetallic Sulphides: Massive Consolidated Sulphides………………………………………………57 2.4.1. Resouce Description………………………………………………………………………………………………………57 2.4.2. Description of Mining Techniques ……………………………………………………………………61 2.4.3. Potential Effects o

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the desk study?

It assesses environmental risks arising from large-scale ecological research in the deep sea, emphasizing potential impacts linked to deep-sea activities.

Which deep-sea ore categories are discussed in the study?

The contents cover manganese nodules, manganese crusts, polymetallic sulphides (metalliferous muds and massive consolidated sulphides), and phosphorite.

How does the document treat deep-sea waste disposal?

It includes sections on munitions and radioactive wastes, describing waste materials, disposal techniques, and the research required to evaluate disposal impacts.

Oct 13, 2026

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