Chemical analysis of manganese nodules from the Cape Leeuwin field, southeast Indian Ocean

Nodules in this field are moderately enriched in Ni, moderately depleted in Cu, and contain intermediate values of Co. The sum of Ni + Cu vs. Mn/Fe plots along a hyperbolic regression line derived from nodules of the southeastern Pacific, suggesting that this relationship has general applicability.

Regional variations in nodule grade (Ni + Cu + Co) assist in defining pathways of Antarctic Bottom Water between the Southeast Indian Ridge and the Wharton basin.