Water normalized major and trace element geochemistry of abyssal ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks from the Samoa Basin (2026-604-FA)

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What does this data set describe?

Title:

Water normalized major and trace element geochemistry of abyssal ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks from the Samoa Basin (2026-604-FA)

Abstract:

Ferromanganese nodules and other ferromanganese coated rocks were collected using a box core from the Samoa Basin, during USGS field activity 2026-604-FA. These mineral samples were described and subsampled for geochemical analysis at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center. Geochemical analyses were completed by an outside commercial laboratory, and the results were provided to the USGS. Geochemical data, sample type and size range, as well as location information (latitude, longitude, depth) for each sample are provided here. The abundance of ferromanganese minerals in each box core sample, in units of kilograms per square meter of seafloor, is included in a separate part of this data release.

Supplemental_Information:

Additional information about the field activities from which these data were derived is available online at: https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2026-604-FA
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

How might this data set be cited?
Adamczyk, Katlin Bowman, Gartman, Amy, Favela, Jaycee, Mizell, Kira, Shapiro, Isabelle M., and Phan, Kha C., 20260623, Water normalized major and trace element geochemistry of abyssal ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks from the Samoa Basin (2026-604-FA): data release doi:10.5066/P149BW9Z, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.
Online Links:
- https://doi.org/10.5066/P149BW9Z
This is part of the following larger work.
Adamczyk, Katlin Bowman, Gartman, Amy, Favela, Jaycee, Mizell, Kira, Shapiro, Isabelle M., and Phan, Kha C., 2026, Abundance and geochemistry of abyssal ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks from the Samoa Basin (2026-604-FA): data release doi:10.5066/P149BW9Z, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA.
Online Links:
- https://doi.org/10.5066/P149BW9
Other_Citation_Details:
Suggested Citation: Adamczyk, K.B., Gartman, A., Favela, J., Mizell, K., Shapiro, I.M., and Phan, K.C., 2026, Abundance and geochemistry of abyssal ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks from the Samoa Basin (2026-604-FA): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P149BW9Z.
What geographic area does the data set cover?
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -167.31544
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -165.62022
North_Bounding_Coordinate: -13.46984
South_Bounding_Coordinate: -16.73279
What does it look like?
Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

Beginning_Date: 13-Apr-2026

Ending_Date: 28-Apr-2026

Currentness_Reference:

ground condition at time data were collected
What is the general form of this data set?
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: comma-delimited text
How does the data set represent geographic features?
1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
  This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
  - Point (120)
2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
  Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.00001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.00001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is D_WGS_1984.
  The ellipsoid used is WGS_1984.
  The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
  The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
  
  Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
  Depth_System_Definition:
  Depth_Datum_Name: local sea surface
  Depth_Resolution: 1
  Depth_Distance_Units: meters
  Depth_Encoding_Method: Attribute values

How does the data set describe geographic features?

2026-604-FA_NoduleGeochemistry.csv

table containing sample ID, sample type, and size class information, and box core sample location and depth. (Source: Producer defined)

Sample_ID

The sample ID for each sample (Source: Producer defined) Sample IDs are formatted as Cruise ID-Box Core ID_sample identifier. For example, ‘2026-604-FA-BX05_rep4' is the fourth rock sampled from box core BX05 during 2026-604-FA. Sample IDs that end in ‘_dup' are procedural duplicates.

Sample_Type

Description of sample material (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
bulk nodule	The bulk, or entire stratigraphic section from nucleus to surface, of a marine ferromanganese nodule. This sample includes ferromanganese mineral and its associated nuclei substrate.
bulk coated sediment	The bulk of marine ferromanganese-coated sediment. This sample includes ferromanganese mineral and associated sediment.
bulk coated pumice	The bulk of marine ferromanganese-coated pumice. This sample includes ferromanganese mineral and associated volcanic pumice.
bulk ferromanganese, no nuclei	The bulk, or entire stratigraphic section of a marine ferromanganese nodule. This sample is pure ferromanganese mineral and does not contain nuclei substrate.
bulk buried nodule	The bulk, or entire stratigraphic section from nucleus to surface, of a marine ferromanganese nodule that was recovered from below the sediment surface. This sample includes ferromanganese mineral and its associated nuclei substrate.
certified reference material	This is a certified reference material submitted to the commercial laboratory with a false sample ID to blind test the accuracy of measurement techniques. Certified reference materials analyzed include Nod-A-1 (bulk nodule; https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/nod-1-geochemical-reference-material-information-sheet), Nod-P-1 (bulk nodule; https://www.usgs.gov/media/files/nod-p-1-geochemical-reference-material-information-sheet), FeMn-1 (bulk nodule; https://iageo.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/FeMn-1-RM-information-sheet-21May2020.pdf), and OREAS 520 (iron oxide copper-gold ore and magnetite-bearing waste rock; https://www.oreas.com/crm/oreas-520/).

Min_Dimension

The minimum dimension, in centimeter units, of the mineral sample. Values of -9999 indicate that measurements are not available due to fragmentation of the sample. (Source: producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.5
Maximum:	6.0
Units:	centimeters
Resolution:	.1

Max_Dimension

The maximum dimension, in centimeter units, of the mineral sample. Values of -9999 indicate that measurements are not available due to fragmentation of the sample. (Source: producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.0
Maximum:	8.5
Units:	centimeters
Resolution:	.1

Latitude

Latitude where the box core made contact with the seafloor. Values of -9999 indicate that the sample is certified reference material, and positional information is not applicable. (Source: producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	-16.73279
Maximum:	-13.46984
Units:	decimal degrees
Resolution:	.00001

Longitude

Longitude where the box core made contact with the seafloor. Values of -9999 indicate that the sample is certified reference material, and positional location is not applicable. (Source: producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	-167.31544
Maximum:	-165.62022
Units:	decimal degrees
Resolution:	.00001

Location_Source

The source of latitude and longitude data for the sample. Values of -9999 indicate that the sample is certified reference material, and positional information is not applicable. (Source: producer defined)

Value	Definition
ship	The latitude and longitude data are the position of the surface vessel when the box core made contact with the seafloor.
usbl downcast	The location of the box core on the seafloor is the deepest measured USBL coordinate from the downcast.
usbl avg	The location of the box core on the seafloor was determined by calculating the average latitude and longitude of the deepest measured USBL coordinates from the up and down casts.
usbl upcast	The location of the box core on the seafloor is the deepest measured USBL coordinate from the upcast.

Water_Depth

Water depth where the box core sample was collected. This depth was determined using a CTD mounted to the box core frame. (Source: producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	5412
Maximum:	5724
Units:	meters
Resolution:	1

Fe

Iron concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	57710
Maximum:	200650
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Mn

Manganese concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	2530
Maximum:	343300
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Si

Silicon concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	18060
Maximum:	222040
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Al

Aluminum concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	13810
Maximum:	73750
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Mg

Magnesium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	10210
Maximum:	30670
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Ca

Calcium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	11850
Maximum:	116160
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Na

Sodium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	3080
Maximum:	25920
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

K

Potassium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1150
Maximum:	34870
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Ti

Titanium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1840
Maximum:	18120
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

P

Phosphorus concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	640
Maximum:	10310
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

H2OP

Quantity of H2O+, or structural water, in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	14000
Maximum:	126000
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1000

Ag

Silver concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry.)

Range of values
Minimum:	.03
Maximum:	.43
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

As

Arsenic concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	22.5
Maximum:	296.1
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Ba

Barium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	87
Maximum:	8673
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Be

Beryllium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.89
Maximum:	6.23
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Bi

Bismuth concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.01
Maximum:	13.93
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Cd

Cadmium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.05
Maximum:	24.66
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Cl

Chlorine concentration in each sample. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1106
Maximum:	15393
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Co

Cobalt concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	84
Maximum:	4912
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Cr

Chromium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	10
Maximum:	376
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Cs

Caesium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.33
Maximum:	2.01
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Cu

Copper concentration in each sample. Values of -7777 indicate that the measurement was above the detection limit. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	325
Maximum:	11620
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

F

Fluorine concentration in each sample. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed. Values of -8888 indicate that the measurement was below the detection limit. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	110
Maximum:	1210
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	10

Ga

Gallium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	10.0
Maximum:	32.6
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Ge

Germanium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.45
Maximum:	2.40
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Hf

Hafnium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.2
Maximum:	16.5
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Hg

Mercury concentration in each sample. Values of -8888 indicate that the measurement was below the detection limit. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.005
Maximum:	.203
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.001

I

Iodine concentration in each sample. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	43.4
Maximum:	1338.4
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

In

Indium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.10
Maximum:	1.04
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Li

Lithium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	17.2
Maximum:	283.7
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Mo

Molybdenum concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.5
Maximum:	639.0
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Nb

Niobium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	7.1
Maximum:	144.6
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Ni

Nickel concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	72
Maximum:	14090
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Pb

Lead concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	6.2
Maximum:	1107.5
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Rb

Rubidium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	9.5
Maximum:	110.6
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Re

Rhenium concentration in each sample. Values of -8888 indicate that the measurement was below the detection limit. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.029
Maximum:	.030
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.001

S

Sulfur concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	840
Maximum:	9750
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	10

Sb

Antimony concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.82
Maximum:	69.08
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Sc

Scandium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	7.5
Maximum:	38.5
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Se

Selenium concentration in each sample. Values of -8888 indicate that the measurement was below the detection limit. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.7
Maximum:	12.3
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Sn

Tin concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.1
Maximum:	7.9
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Sr

Strontium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	101
Maximum:	1597
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Ta

Tantalum concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.21
Maximum:	18.35
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Te

Tellurium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.3
Maximum:	31.6
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Th

Thorium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	6.8
Maximum:	50.2
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Tl

Thallium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.4
Maximum:	179.4
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

U

Uranium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.64
Maximum:	17.59
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

V

Vanadium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	269
Maximum:	619
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

W

Tungsten concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.6
Maximum:	84.8
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Zn

Zinc concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	20
Maximum:	1824
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Zr

Zirconium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	136
Maximum:	692
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

La

Lanthanum concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	15
Maximum:	303
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Ce

Cerium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	79
Maximum:	1317
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Pr

Praseodymium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	4
Maximum:	79
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Nd

Neodyium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	16
Maximum:	306
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Sm

Samarium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.8
Maximum:	60.4
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Eu

Europium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.00
Maximum:	15.75
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Gd

Gadolinium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.9
Maximum:	53.7
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Tb

Terbium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.63
Maximum:	8.21
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Dy

Dysprosium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.8
Maximum:	47.0
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Y

Yttrium content in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	15.8
Maximum:	181.2
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Ho

Holmium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.75
Maximum:	9.09
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	0.01

Er

Erbium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.2
Maximum:	25.9
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	0.1

Tm

Thulium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.31
Maximum:	3.77
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Yb

Ytterbium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.0
Maximum:	25.4
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Lu

Lutetium concentration in each sample. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)

Range of values
Minimum:	.31
Maximum:	4.10
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.01

Fe_Detection

The detection limit for iron concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Mn_Detection

The detection limit for manganese concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Si_Detection

The detection limit for silicon concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Al_Detection

The detection limit for aluminum concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Mg_Detection

The detection limit for magnesium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ca_Detection

The detection limit for calcium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Na_Detection

The detection limit for sodium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

K_Detection

The detection limit for potassium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ti_Detection

The detection limit for titanium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

P_Detection

The detection limit for phosphorus concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

H2OP_Detection

The detection limit for H2O+, or structural water, concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ag_Detection

The detection limit for silver concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

As_Detection

The detection limit for arsenic concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ba_Detection

The detection limit for barium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Be_Detection

The detection limit for beryllium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Bi_Detection

The detection limit for bismuth concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Cd_Detection

The detection limit for cadmium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Cl_Detection

The detection limit for chlorine concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Co_Detection

The detection limit for cobalt concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Cr_Detection

The detection limit for chromium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Cs_Detection

The detection limit for cesium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Cu_Detection

The detection limit for copper concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1
Maximum:	50
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

F_Detection

The detection limit for fluorine concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ga_Detection

The detection limit for gallium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ge_Detection

The detection limit for germanium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Hf_Detection

The detection limit for hafnium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Hg_Detection

The detection limit for mercury concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

I_Detection

The detection limit for iodine concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

In_Detection

The detection limit for indium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Li_Detection

The detection limit for lithium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Mo_Detection

The detection limit for molybdenum concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Nb_Detection

The detection limit for niobium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ni_Detection

The detection limit for nickel concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	5
Maximum:	30
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	1

Pb_Detection

The detection limit for lead concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Rb_Detection

The detection limit for rubidium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Re_Detection

The detection limit for rhenium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

S_Detection

The detection limit for sulfur concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Sb_Detection

The detection limit for antimony concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Sc_Detection

The detection limit for scandium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Se_Detection

The detection limit for selenium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Sn_Detection

The detection limit for tin concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Sr_Detection

The detection limit for strontium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	.2
Maximum:	2.0
Units:	parts per million
Resolution:	.1

Ta_Detection

The detection limit for tantalum concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation. (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Te_Detection

The detection limit for tellurium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Th_Detection

The detection limit for thorium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Tl_Detection

The detection limit for thallium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

U_Detection

The detection limit for uranium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

V_Detection

The detection limit for vanadium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

W_Detection

The detection limit for tungsten concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Zn_Detection

The detection limit for zinc concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Zr_Detection

The detection limit for zirconium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

La_Detection

The detection limit for lanthanum concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ce_Detection

The detection limit for cerium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Pr_Detection

The detection limit for praseodymium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Nd_Detection

The detection limit for neodymium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Sm_Detection

The detection limit for samarium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Eu_Detection

The detection limit for europium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Gd_Detection

The detection limit for gadolinium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Tb_Detection

The detection limit for terbium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Dy_Detection

The detection limit for dysprosium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Y_Detection

The detection limit for yttrium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Ho_Detection

The detection limit for holmium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Er_Detection

The detection limit for erbium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Tm_Detection

The detection limit for thulium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Yb_Detection

The detection limit for ytterbium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Lu_Detection

The detection limit for lutetium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined) Numerical value provided by the analyzer in parts per million

Fe_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure iron concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Mn_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure manganese concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Si_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure silicon concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Al_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure aluminum concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Mg_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure magnesium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Ca_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure calcium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Na_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure sodium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

K_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure potassium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Ti_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure titanium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

P_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure phosphorus concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

H2OP_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure H2O+, or structural water, concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
GRAV_IR	gravimetric and penfield IR

Ag_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure silver concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

As_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure aresenic concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Ba_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure barium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Be_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure beryllium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Bi_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure bismuth concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Cd_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure cadmium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Cl_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure chlorine concentration Values of NaN indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
INAA	Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Co_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure cobalt concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Cr_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure choromium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP-OES_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Cs_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure choromium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Cu_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure copper concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

F_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure fluorine concentration. Values of NaN indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
FUS-ISE	Lithium Borate Fusion with Ion Selective Electrode

Ga_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure gallium concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Ge_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure germanium concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Hf_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure hafnium concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Hg_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure mercury concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
CVAAS	Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

I_Method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure iodine concentration. Values of NaN indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
INAA	Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

In_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure indium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Li_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure lithium concentration based on the measurement method and instrumentation (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Mo_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure molybdenum concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Nb_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure niobium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Ni_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure nickel concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion
XRF_BF	X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) on borate fused disks

Pb_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure lead concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Rb_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure rubidium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Re_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure rubidium concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

S_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure sulfur concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_OES_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, low-mineralized strong acid digestion

Sb_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure antimony concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Sc_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure scandium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Se_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure selenium concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Sn_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure tin concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Sr_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure strontium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Ta_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure tantalum concentration. (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Te_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure tellurium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Th_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure thorium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

Tl_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure thallium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_4ACID	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following a four-acid digest of hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, nitric, perchloric acids

U_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure uranium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

V_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure vanadium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

W_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure tungsten concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Zn_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure zinc concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Zr_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure zirconium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

La_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure lanthanum concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Ce_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure cerium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Pr_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure praseodymium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Nd_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure neodymium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Sm_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure samarium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Eu_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure europium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Gd_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure gadolinium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Tb_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure terbium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Dy_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure dysprosium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Y_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure yttrium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Ho_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure holmium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Er_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure erbium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Tm_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure thulium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Yb_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure ytterbium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Lu_method

An alphanumeric code that denotes the method and instrumentation used to measure lutetium concentration (Source: Producer defined)

Value	Definition
ICP_MS_FUS	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, Lithium Borate Fusion

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

This dataset contains one comma separated values (CSV) file (2026-604-FA_NoduleGeochemistry.csv) describing sample and positional information, geochemical analyses results, measurement detection limits, and methods. The first line of the csv file is a header line. The abundance of ferromanganese minerals in each box core sample, in units of kilograms per square meter of seafloor, is included in a separate part of this data release.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- Katlin Bowman Adamczyk
- Amy Gartman
- Jaycee Favela
- Kira Mizell
- Isabelle M. Shapiro
- Kha C. Phan
Who also contributed to the data set?
The expedition 2026-604-FA was the third leg of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's American Samoa Abyssal Mapping effort, OPR-T900-KR-26. The USGS effort was supported in part by Interagency Agreement M20PG00028 between the USGS and the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management.
To whom should users address questions about the data?

U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator

2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)

[email protected]

Why was the data set created?

These data serve to expand the knowledge and statistics for seabed mineral occurrences and composition within the global ocean. The expedition 2026-604-FA was the third leg of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's American Samoa Abyssal Mapping effort, OPR-T900-KR-26. The USGS effort was supported in part by Interagency Agreement M20PG00028 between the USGS and the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management.

How was the data set created?

From what previous works were the data drawn?
Box Core Sample Photos (source 1 of 2)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2026, 2026 American Samoa Mapping: NV5 Contract Work: Box Core Photos.
Online Links:
- https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/mineral-samples/2026-nv5-american-samoa/
Type_of_Source_Media: online database
Source_Contribution: Shipboard images of box core samples.
geochemistry (source 2 of 2)
Actlabs, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, 2026, Geochemical Element Analysis.
Online Links:
- https://actlabs.com/geochemistry/
Type_of_Source_Media: geochemical analyses
Source_Contribution: Element concentration and moisture data
How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
Date: 28-Apr-2026 (process 1 of 8)
Ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks were collected from the Samoa Basin during the U.S. Geological Survey's 2026 American Samoa box coring effort (2026-604-FA). Ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rock samples were collected from the seabed using an Ocean Instruments BX-750 Box Corer deployed from the M/V Ocean Guardian. An AML Oceanographic CTD (conductivity temperature depth) and Kongsberg MiniS 37 -40V Ti transponder were mounted to the frame of the box core to determine the depth and location of each seafloor sample.
Date: 28-Apr-2026 (process 2 of 8)
Top water was removed from the box core using a peristaltic pump and tubing, then a photograph of the box core surface was captured. All Box Core Sample Photos are available online through NOAA at https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/mineral-samples/2026-nv5-american-samoa/. Data sources used in this process:
- Box Core Sample Photos
Date: 28-Apr-2026 (process 3 of 8)
Surface ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rocks were immediately removed from the box core after top water removal and box core surface photography, then transferred to a laboratory van. Buried ferromanganese nodules were recovered from four box cores (BX03, BX32, BX33, BX36) during subcoring (collection of push cores), push core processing, or by hand-searching the remaining sediment after subcores were removed. The sediment depth in these four box core samples ranged from 34-40 centimeters. Excess sediment was removed by rinsing the mineral samples with filtered seawater. Samples were air-dried, packaged in bubble wrap, stored at room temperature, then shipped to the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) for processing.
Date: 05-May-2026 (process 4 of 8)
Ferromanganese nodules and ferromanganese coated rock samples were photographed and described, then bulk portions were crushed to a powder using a ceramic-lined grinding container and Shatterbox, or by hand using an agate mortar and pestle. A portion of each sample analyzed for this data release is archived in the Global Seabed Mineral Resources rock collection at PCMSC. Bulk mineral powders were sent to ActLabs for geochemical analysis.
Date: 29-May-2026 (process 5 of 8)
ActLabs dried mineral powder samples overnight in a 40 degree Celsius oven, then hand pulverized powders with an agate mortar and pestle to 105 microns. The water content (H2O-) was measured for each dried and pulverized sample using gravimetric analysis, and this value was used to normalize element concentrations by sorbed water content. Geochemical analysis was performed on dried and pulverized samples. Method details for each reported element are included as attributes in this data release. Data sources used in this process:
- geochemistry
Date: 29-May-2026 (process 6 of 8)
The sorbed water content (H2O-) measured by gravimetric analysis in dried and pulverized powder samples was used to normalize element concentrations in each sample to sorbed-water-free values using the following formula: water normalized = [raw element concentration]/[(100 - weight percent water)/100]. Weight percent water in dried and pulverized powders ranged from 4.2 to 9.6 percent in samples, and 0.4 to 6.1 percent in certified reference materials. Data sources used in this process:
- geochemistry
Date: 27-May-2026 (process 7 of 8)
The location of the box core on the seafloor was determined from the deepest ultra-short baseline (USBL) location (BX06 and BX28) or by calculating the midpoint latitude and longitude of the deepest measured USBL coordinates from the up and down cast of each box core. Only downcast USBL data was available for BX06 and only upcast USBL data was available for BX28. Box core samples BX 03-05, 17, and 25 did not have functioning USBL data; the location of the surface vessel at the time the box core made contact with the seafloor is reported instead. The water depth of each box core sample was determined by extracting the deepest measured depth value from the box core CTD data and correcting this depth for the mounted height of the CTD (2 meters from the base of the box core).
Date: 29-May-2026 (process 8 of 8)
Geochemistry results from ActLabs, detection limits, analytical method information, location data, and sample information were combined into a comma-delimited text values document (2026-604-FA_NoduleGeochemistry.csv). Data sources used in this process:
- geochemistry
What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

How well have the observations been checked?
Certified reference materials, including NOD-A-1 (Atlantic Ocean Mn Nodule), NOD-P-1 (Pacific Ocean Mn Nodule), FeMn-1 (Peru Basin Mn Nodule) were measured for all reported elements. The average relative percent difference (RPD) between measured and certified concentrations was 10-20 percent for Se (ICP_MS_4ACID), In, Cr, TI, and Te. Higher average RPDs were observed for Na (30 percent) and K (36 percent). Average RPDs for all other elements were <10 percent. Analytical and procedural duplicate measurements were made for all analytical techniques. The average RPD between duplicate measurements was 10-20 percent for TI, In, Ge, Cl, and Ag. Higher average RPDs were observed for Hg (35 percent) and I (54 percent). Average RPDs for all other elements were <10 percent. The instruments and techniques used to generate geochemical data are included in the data table and also summarized below in the Source Citations since data were generated by commercial laboratories. Limits for each analyte's detection by an instrument are reported in the table. The value -8888 indicates that the measurement for an analyte was below the detection limit. Values of -9999 indicate that no analysis was performed.
How accurate are the geographic locations?
A Kongsberg Acoustic Positioning Operator Station (APOS) calibration was completed using the ship's GPS data and a fixed seabed transponder. The standard deviation of the transponder position was N1.26 meters and E1.34 meters.
How accurate are the heights or depths?
A Kongsberg Acoustic Positioning Operator Station (APOS) calibration was completed using the ship's GPS data and a fixed seabed transponder. The standard deviation of the transponder depth was 1.31 meters.
Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
Dataset is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
The sum of all element concentrations, in units of parts per million, was calculated to ensure the total did not exceed 1,000,000.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints	No access constraint
Use_Constraints	USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. These data are marked with a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal License. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset and in products derived from these data.

Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)

U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
Denver, CO

1-888-275-8747 (voice)

[email protected]
What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? These data are available in .csv format contained in a single file accompanied by CSDGM FGDC-compliant metadata.
What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
How can I download or order the data?
- Availability in digital form:
  
  Data format: File contains table in .csv format in format comma-delimited text (version Microsoft Excel 15) Size: 0.167
  
  Network links: https://doi.org/10.5066/P149BW9Z
- Cost to order the data: None.
What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
These data can be viewed with Microsoft Excel or any text reader.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:: Last modified: 23-Jun-2026
Metadata author:: U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator

2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)

[email protected]
Metadata standard:: Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/DataReleases/ScienceBase/DR_P149BW9Z/2026-604-FA_NoduleGeochemistry_Metadata.faq.html>

Data format:	File contains table in .csv format in format comma-delimited text (version Microsoft Excel 15) Size: 0.167
Network links:	https://doi.org/10.5066/P149BW9Z