Spatiotemporal Visualisation of a Deep Sea Sediment Plume Dispersion Experiment

Abstract

Deep sea mining for metals as Ni, Cu, and Co as in manganese nodules (Mn-nodules) is currently further developed e.g. with respect to technological and economical feasibility but always poses the threat that these sensitive ecosystems are destroyed for a long time. To evaluate the impact of Mn-nodule mining activities, the JPI Oceans project Mining Impact II, studies the distribution of a sediment plume created by a mining vehicle. It uses in situ observations of a small-scale experiment and related ocean current and sediment settling numerical models. This is done to validate the model itself, to have a prognostic tool to determine at which location what type of sensor is need to capture the plume dispersion in the best possible way, and, finally, to present the results to none-experts. Through the contextualisation of a wide array of sensors and computer model parameters, we created a visualisation of a small-scale deep sea sediment plume dispersion experiment. Our 4D visualisation environment helps explore the dynamics of the sediment transport and deposition across time and space in an interactive and user-explorable way.