Internal growth features of manganese nodules reveal that many nodules are structurally, chemically, and mineralogically non-uniform, largely as a result of a complex growth history. If numerous investigators are to study the mineralogical and textural features of manganese nodules, the laboratories concerned must standardize procedures to some extent so that work is not duplicated and so that results can be compared fairly. In particular, we suggest that all investigators, for example, geochemists, mineralogists, and biologists who work with individual nodules, should pay due attention to the internal complexity of nodules while pursuing their individual specialized research. Detailed investigation of the relationships between the internal structure of manganese nodules and the mineralogy and chemical composition is essential to an understanding of nodule origin and of possible problems in economic use of nodules. Research of this kind is best controlled by use of good polished sections of whole manganese nodules.
From 1983 until 1989 NOAA-NCEI compiled the NOAA-MMS Marine Minerals Geochemical Database from journal articles, technical reports and unpublished sources from other institutions. At the time it was the most extended data compilation on ferromanganese deposits world wide. Initially published in a proprietary format incompatible with present day standards it was jointly decided by AWI and NOAA to transcribe this legacy data into PANGAEA. This transfer is augmented by a careful checking of the original sources when available and the encoding of ancillary information (sample description, method of analysis...) not present in the NOAA-MMS database.
Supplement to: Sorem, Ronald K; Foster, Allan R (1973): Mineralogical, chemical and optical procedures and standards for study of growth features and economic potential of manganese nodules. in: Phase I Report - Inter-University Program of Research on Ferromanganese Deposits of the Ocean Floor. Seabed Assessment Program, IDOE, NSF, Washington D.C., USA, 23-38
