On the main aspects of formation of ferromanganese ores in recent basins (lakes).

Abstract

The distribution of Mn and Fe in water, sediments, hydroxide nodules and crusts of Eningi-Lampi ore-bearing lake is regular, and concordant from the source to the areas of accumulation of these components. Mn-Fe hydroxide nodules and crusts occur at the water-sediment interface, and more rarely in the upper (0-5 cm) film of brown watery mud. The leading role in the formation of Mn-Fe nodules and crusts is played by the chemosorption and auto-catalytic oxidation in the course of interaction of component-bearing solutions with active surfaces. This is considered to be the basic process for the model of ferromanganese ore formation in recent basins. Despite the differences in the physico-geographical and geochemical characteristics of lakes, mediterranean seas and oceans, the formation of ferromanganese hydroxide nodules and crusts in these basins may be explained by this model.