The past 20 years have seen extensive marine exploration work by the major industrialized countries. Studies have, in part, been concentrated on Pacific manganese nodule occurrences and on massive sulfides on mid-oceanic ridges. An international jurisdictional framework of the sea-bed mineral resources was negotiated by the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III). A most important outcome of this conference was the establishment of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of at least 200 nautical miles for all coastal states and the recognition of a deep-sea regime.Mineral deposits in EEZ areas are fairly unknown; many areas need detailed mapping and mineral exploration, and the majority of coastal or island states with large EEZ areas have little experience in exploration for marine hard minerals. This book describes the systematic steps in marine mineral exploration. Such exploration requires knowledge of mineral deposits and models of their formation, of geophysical and geochemical exploration methods, and of data evaluation and interpretation methods. These topics are described in detail by an international group of authors. A short description is also given of marine research vessels, evaluation of marine exploration examples; and an overview is provided of the jurisdictional situation after UNCLOS III.

Front Cover; Marine Mineral Exploration; Copyright Page; List of Contributors; Preface; Contents; CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION; CHAPTER 2. MARINE HARD MINERAL RESOURCES; CHAPTER 3. RESEARCH VESSELS AND SUBMERSIBLES; CHAPTER 4. MARINE GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION TECHNIQUES; CHAPTER 5. MARINE GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION METHODS; CHAPTER 6. DATA EVALUATION OF EXPLORATION SURVEYS; CHAPTER 7. MARINE MINERAL EXPLORATION EXAMPLES; CHAPTER 8. LEGAL ASPECTS OF MARINE MINERAL EXPLORATION.

This handbook summarizes the main advances in our understanding of marine minerals and concentrates on the deposits of proven economic potential. In cases where our knowledge may be too limited to allow defining of their economic potential, those minerals are covered regionally or by deposit type. Handbook of Marine Mineral Deposits is divided into three sections; Marine placers, manganese nodules and crusts, and deep-sea hydrothermal mineralization. All of these mineral deposits have great potential importance to economic geologists and marine mines. Edited by an acknowledged expert in the field, this handbook includes work by internationally renowned contributors. The new United Nations Law of the Sea, ratified by over 100 countries within the past two years, provides a framework and guidelines for deep-sea mineral exploration that increases international interest in this book. The Handbook serves as a platform from which to launch the more detailed evaluation studies that will need to take place in the 21st century before recovery can continue or commence. Handbook of Marine Mineral Deposits is useful to mineralogists, economic geologists, marine geologists, marine miners, and conservationists. Features

Discoveries of new types of marine mineral occurrences during the last decade, and specifically the massive sulfide deposits at spreading ridges on the ocean floor, have significantly advanced geologic concepts about the origin of ore deposits in a very short period of time. These discoveries also renewed interest in all marine mineral occurrences including the well-known manganese nodules, and led to more wide-ranging and thorough examination of cobalt-rich manganese crusts, expanded mapping of phosphorites of continental shelves, and the initiation of several new surveys for placer minerals in shallow waters. The result of these activities is already noticeable in an increasingly broader variety of minerals being found on and below the ocean floor. This upsurge of scientific interest and research in marine minerals provided the impetus to organize an Advanced Research Workshop under auspices of the NATO Science Council and its Special Program Panel on Marine Sciences. The workshop was held in the United Kingdom at Gregynog Hall of the University of Wales, June 10-16, 1985, under the theme "Marine Minerals--Resource Assessment Strategies. " The timing of this workshop was propitious in many ways. First, marine surveys and expeditions to chart the mineral resources of the world's oceans had increased in number in recent years, involving a growing number of nations interested in obtaining firsthand information.

During the past century, scientists, world statesmen, and international entrepreneurs have become increasingly aware of the potential of the oceans as a source of minerals. This book provides an authoritative picture of the current state of marine mineral extraction. A major work of reference, it will be essential reading for both those engaged in maritime studies and for professional organisations involved in the extraction of underwater minerals.

Papers presented at the conference organized by Central Mining Research Institute, Dhanbad; with reference to India.

A good quality annual review series that provides an important service to the sciences for both the general and the specialist reader. Oceanography and Marine Biology has succeeded in producing one admirably for more than 35 years. The quality of the paper, the printing and the presentation is excellent.--Times Higher Education Supplement