ABSTRACT
The grade of copper and nickel in manganese nodules is negatively correlated with their abundance on the sea floor, within small regions and in the Pacific Ocean as a whole. Although the correlation tells nothing about estimates of commercially mineable reserves at particular sites, it contradicts an assumption on which many predictions with respect to manganese nodule resources are based.
ABSTRACT
Phase chemistry, structure, and radiation effects were studied in rock, breccia, and soil samples. The regolith apparently developed in the final stages of accretion and was modified by later impact processes and radiation weathering. Exposure ages indicate transfer of buried igneous rock fragments to the near surface late in lunar history. With a few exceptions igneous rock fragments, soil, and breccia share the same distinctive chemistry, probably acquired before accretion of the moon. The igneous rocks texturally resemble basaltic achondrites, and the soil and breccias contain glassy spheres analogous to chondrules.
