Manganese nodules discovered in Atlantic

A recent expedition aboard the new German research vessel RV Sonne (right) has revealed the presence of significant manganese nodules deep in the Atlantic Ocean. The cruise, led by scientists at GEOMAR, was exploring the biological communities and tectonic regime of the Vema Fracture Zone in the tropical Atlantic. During a routine biological sampling exercise using an epibethic sled, a large haul of mangnaese nodules was brought to the surface. Whilst these nodules are known to occur in many of the world's oceans, the size and volume of the nodules found in this location in the Atlantic comes as a surprise to scientists. 

For the full story, please visit the GEOMAR website.