With the rising global demand for rare earth metals, innovative approaches such as deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection have gained increasing attention. The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), one of the most economically promising regions for these resources, is a key focus area. However, before large-scale exploitation can be carried out, it is essential to understand and minimise the environmental impacts thoroughly. One of the primary concerns regarding the environmental impact is the generation of sediment plumes.

This study has aimed to improve the understanding of sediment plumes generated by the tracks of the Seabed Nodule Collector in the NORI-D area. NORI-D is an area within the CCZ. A literature review has been conducted to examine the characteristics of the NORI-D site and the collector’s track design, identifying key mechanisms of plume generation. Building on these insights, a kinematic model has been developed to estimate sediment relocation. A previous study on plume generation during a nodule collector test run in the GSR area has provided a valuable starting point. To pursue the remaining research objectives, a series of laboratory experiments has been performed, focusing on the effects of seabed penetration depth, driving velocity, slip ratio, and sediment type. A scaled model of the collector tracks has been driven over a sediment bed, using an artificial clay developed to mimic the behaviour of deep-sea sediment.

The combined insights from the literature review, kinematic model and experimental work now offer a sound understanding of sediment plume formation and an estimation of the turbidity source term associated with the collector tracks. The results provide an insight into the influence of the tested parameters on plume generation, identifying seabed penetration and driving velocity as the key factors. The knowledge gained from this research could support efforts to minimise the environmental impact of deep-sea mining operations on the seabed.