What are manganese nodules? How are they formed? Using the information regarding the usefulness
of these nodules, can you infer why the mining of these nodules could become a political issue? What will be an ideal response?
ANS:Answer
should include:
? Manganese nodules are a form of hydrogenous sediments. They contain manganese and
iron oxides in addition to small amounts of cobalt, nickel, chromium, copper, and zinc.
? These nodules are formed in layers over millions of years due to a very slow chemical
reaction with sea water. There is often something acting as a nucleus in the middle of
these nodules. This can include shark teeth, bone fragments, and even microscopic algae
and animal skeletons.
? There are materials present in manganese nodules that are used for industrial purposes.
As the cost of raw materials increases, people might look to these nodules as a viable
new resource of these materials.
? Think about where these nodules are found. They are not always within any one
designated country's waters. The distribution of wealth from these nodules will likely
only go to the countries that can afford to mine them. These factors could become
political as they determine the distribution of the nodules.
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