Exploration of Deep Ocean Ferromanganese Nodule Fields Using Radon as a Tracer

作者：Xiaoyi Guo, Bochao Xu, Huaming Yu, William C. Burnett, Sanzhong Li, Ergang Lian, Zenghui Zhu, Shibin Zhao, Guangquan Chen, Xiaoyong Duan, Natasha Dimova, Yanni Wang, Guangchao Zhuang, Zhigang Yu · 发表于：Geophysical Research Letters · 年份：2022 · DOI：10.1029/2022gl100726 · 被引用次数：13 · 研究领域：Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis、Geology and Paleoclimatology Research、Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena

Abstract Ferromanganese nodules (Fe‐Mn nodules) are considered as potential sources of in‐demand metals (such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare‐earth elements) that are used in high‐technology industries. The resource potential of Mn nodules in the world ocean remains uncertain due to technological and financial challenges. Here we propose an effective tracer: the natural radioactive radon isotope ( 222 Rn) to assess the abundance of Fe‐Mn nodules on the sea floor. Significant linear relationships were observed between benthic excess 222 Rn fluxes and concentrations with Fe‐Mn nodule occurrence and coverage on the global seafloor. Benthic excess 222 Rn flux >10 7 dpm/m 2 /yr or bottom water 222 Rn concentrations >2,000 dpm/m 3 indicate the possibility of Fe‐Mn nodules occurrence at >80% and seabed coverage of >25%. Our results indicate radon, relatively easy to measure, could serve as a novel and efficient tool for targeting Fe‐Mn nodule resources in the global abyssal ocean.