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.

The risks of shortages for some crucial metals and uncertainty about the land-based reserves of several others justify the search to diversify our sources of supply and investigate their potential. Mineral resources in the deep sea are attracting increasing interest with the progressive discovery of various forms of ores. France possesses large areas of deep seafloor in the three oceans as well as world-class human and technological resources and know-how, resulting from over 40 years of experience. This study takes stock of knowledge about mineralisations and associated metals, technologies for exploring and exploiting them, biodiversity and the potential impact of exploitation on the deep environment and the partnerships which are vital for France and Europe. This information will be useful for decision-makers in drawing up strategies, defining research and development programmes and in enhancing and developing commercial utilizations for these high-potential resources.

The Mineral Resources of the Sea

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.

As human activity makes a greater impact on the environment, sustainability becomes an increasingly imperative goal. With the assistance of current technological innovations, environmental systems can be better preserved. Oceanographic and Marine Cross-Domain Data Management for Sustainable Development is a pivotal resource for the latest research on the collection of environmental data for sustainability initiatives and the associate challenges with this data acquisition. Highlighting various technological, scientific, semantic, and semiotic perspectives, this book is ideally designed for researchers, technology developers, practitioners, students, and professionals in the field of environmental science and technology.