Question 1
In the present day, what is the most valuable non-living commodity obtained from sea floor?
◦ oil and gas
◦ gas hydrate
◦ gold
◦ sand and gravel
Question 2
Why is manganese not mined on the seabed given that there are abundant manganese nodules in some parts of the ocean floor?
◦ The manganese market is held by a global cartel who prevent the material from being mined.
◦ The manganese is too difficult to extract from the nodules; a new technology is needed.
◦ It is not economical to mine manganese nodules at present-day world prices for manganese and associated metals in nodules.
◦ It is impossible to extract the nodules from the seafloor with present-day technology.
Manganese helps Deinococcus radiodurans to avoid radiation damage.
manganese
manganese
manganese
manganese
Root Nodules