31
1 Study Summary
Site Study Technologies and Resource and Biodiversity Evaluation
When sites are identified, scientific understanding of geological, geochemical and
biological processes implies work requiring submersibles (manned, remotely operated or autonomous vehicles) to be deployed. These vehicles can be used for more
precise exploration on a local scale and for specific sampling.
Like in the exploration phase, many development are necessary to retain
a global leading position and implement more efficient strategies. One of the
essential steps concerns bathymetry and ultra-high resolution imagery (tens of
centimetres) near the ocean floor. Continued development efforts are required
to determine the dimensions of all vectors and sensors for 6,000 m depths. Specialised tools should also be developed to more accurately quantify hydrogen
flows and progress is required to quantify the presence of hydrates in sediments
from seismic data. The evaluation of mineral deposits requires knowledge of
their volume and composition. To locate fossil sites and assess their dimensions, geophysical techniques (gravimetry, magnetics, electric methods) need
to be “marinised”. Finally, the evaluation of the wealth and value of deep-sea
mineral deposits requires sampling using core drilling tools operating directly
on the seabed.
Environmental Monitoring and Preservation Technologies
In order to minimise the impact of deep-sea mining, specialised tools are required to
establish biological reference conditions. These tools should also be able to identify
disturbances related to natural geological activity (volcanic activity, plate tectonics,
chemical and particle emissions by fluids) and anthropogenic disturbances related
to mining. These approaches require the development of tools able to monitor temporal variability. An important point concerns the observation of temporal evolution
of biological populations (observatories) and the development of autonomous systems (entrainment separator, current meter) to determine particle emissions related
to human activities.
Mining Technologies
The development of deep-sea exploration and exploitation technologies is one of
the major scientific and technological undertakings of the past 50 years. This dual
goal was brought by industrialised societies to design the best means to explore
and exploit the sea. Since the mid-20th century, we have discovered that the sea is
teeming with minerals sought by industry. Submarine explorers began to gather data
on this wealth in terms of energy and mineral reserves. Yet, in many respects, this
wealth could just as well have been on the Moon, given how difficult it appeared to
discover and extract them.
1 Study Summary
Site Study Technologies and Resource and Biodiversity Evaluation
When sites are identified, scientific understanding of geological, geochemical and
biological processes implies work requiring submersibles (manned, remotely operated or autonomous vehicles) to be deployed. These vehicles can be used for more
precise exploration on a local scale and for specific sampling.
Like in the exploration phase, many development are necessary to retain
a global leading position and implement more efficient strategies. One of the
essential steps concerns bathymetry and ultra-high resolution imagery (tens of
centimetres) near the ocean floor. Continued development efforts are required
to determine the dimensions of all vectors and sensors for 6,000 m depths. Specialised tools should also be developed to more accurately quantify hydrogen
flows and progress is required to quantify the presence of hydrates in sediments
from seismic data. The evaluation of mineral deposits requires knowledge of
their volume and composition. To locate fossil sites and assess their dimensions, geophysical techniques (gravimetry, magnetics, electric methods) need
to be “marinised”. Finally, the evaluation of the wealth and value of deep-sea
mineral deposits requires sampling using core drilling tools operating directly
on the seabed.
Environmental Monitoring and Preservation Technologies
In order to minimise the impact of deep-sea mining, specialised tools are required to
establish biological reference conditions. These tools should also be able to identify
disturbances related to natural geological activity (volcanic activity, plate tectonics,
chemical and particle emissions by fluids) and anthropogenic disturbances related
to mining. These approaches require the development of tools able to monitor temporal variability. An important point concerns the observation of temporal evolution
of biological populations (observatories) and the development of autonomous systems (entrainment separator, current meter) to determine particle emissions related
to human activities.
Mining Technologies
The development of deep-sea exploration and exploitation technologies is one of
the major scientific and technological undertakings of the past 50 years. This dual
goal was brought by industrialised societies to design the best means to explore
and exploit the sea. Since the mid-20th century, we have discovered that the sea is
teeming with minerals sought by industry. Submarine explorers began to gather data
on this wealth in terms of energy and mineral reserves. Yet, in many respects, this
wealth could just as well have been on the Moon, given how difficult it appeared to
discover and extract them.