Numerical modelling of sediment transport caused by deep sea mining

W.Zielke and J.A. Jankowski, J. Sündermann and J. Segschneider

Abstract. The paper describes the application of mesoscale and large scale models in order to simulate the impact of deep-sea mining sediment discharges on the marine environment. The modelling efforts are cross-linked with the experiments of the TUSCH research group which provide supporting data. The results yield time-dependent, three-dimensional concentration fields, the amount of redeposition and the plume residence time. The near bed emissions impact mainly at a local scale, whereas more widespread contamination due to discharges at the free surface or in some intermediate depth cannot be excluded.

The text is available in PDF format. Copyright 1995 by the International Society of Offshore and Polar Engineers.

Reference: Zielke, W., Jankowski, J.A., Sündermann, J. and Segschneider, J. (1995) Numerical Modelling of Sediment Transport Caused by Deep Sea Mining. Proceedings of the ISOPE – Ocean Mining Symposium 1995, Tsukuba, Japan, November 21-22, 1995.