Managing the impacts of sediment plumes is a key concern for contractors looking to collect polymetallic nodules from the seafloor at depths of 4kms. This month saw the publication of a new peer-reviewed study by researchers at MIT and Scripps Institute of Oceanography based upon actual field trials by fellow contractor GSR. The study found that, on flat terrain, 92-98% of sediment was deposited locally and remained in suspension below 2m, in contrast to significant speculation in the media as to this issue.
