Development of Image Analytical Technique for Resedimentation Induced by Nodule Mining

The Japan Deep Sea Impact Experiment (JET) created a near Seafloor sediment plume in an attempt to reproduce conditions during manganese nodule mining in the Clarion-Clipperton zones in 1994. An image analysis technique of seafloor photos is developed for quantification of resedimentation of the plume. Colour differences between the nodules, black, and the sediments, light ocher, are used in the technique. A laboratory water tank test for calibration of the resedimentation is introduced. The colour changes, from black to light ocher of the nodules, in deep-sea photos observed after the resedimentation are analyzed by the technique. An example contour map of thickness of the resedimentation is presented.