Ferromanganese crust and phosphorite minerals were collected using remotely operated vehicles in the Southern California Borderland during two separate research cruises – NOAA Ocean Exploration Trust cruise NA124 onboard the E/V Nautilus in 2020, and Schmidt Ocean Institute cruise FK210726 onboard the R/V Falkor in 2021. Ferromanganese crust and phosphorite samples were described and subsampled for geochemical analysis at the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center. Geochemical analyses were completed by outside commercial laboratories, and the results were provided to the USGS. Geochemical data, bulk and layer thickness information, as well as location information (latitude, longitude, depth) for each sample are provided here. The geochemical Borderland work was funded by the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center and ship time was funded by NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (grant number NA19OAR110305).

This data release compiles element composition data for more than 600 deep-ocean mineral samples from more than 25 research cruises in the Pacific Ocean since 1979 that involved USGS researchers. Deep-ocean mineral sample types encompassed in this data release include ferromanganese crusts, manganese nodules, phosphorites, and hydrothermal minerals. This data release is comprised of both unpublished as well as previously published data and reports and includes analytical methods and instrument detection limits whenever available.

This data release compiles element composition data for more than 600 deep-ocean mineral samples from more than 25 research cruises in the Pacific Ocean since 1979 that involved USGS researchers. Deep-ocean mineral sample types encompassed in this data release include ferromanganese crusts, manganese nodules, phosphorites, and hydrothermal minerals. This data release is comprised of both unpublished as well as previously published data and reports and includes analytical methods and instrument detection limits whenever available.

This portion of the data release provides geochemical analyses data of ferromanganese rock samples collected off the coast of Hawaii. Ferromanganese crusts, nodules, and coated cobbles were collected via ROV from seamounts within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM) in the Pacific Ocean during E/V Nautilus expeditions NA134 and NA138 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Ferromanganese rock samples were sent to USGS for subsampling and major and trace element geochemical analyses. Major and trace element data as well as location information (latitude, longitude, depth) for each sample are provided here.

Elemental chemistry and weight percent of the less than 0.063 mm fine sediment fraction are reported for surface sediments from shoals, the ebb tide delta, local tributaries, and inland rivers that carry sediment to San Francisco Bay, California.

Elemental chemistry and weight percent of the less than 0.063 mm fine sediment fraction are reported for surface sediments from shoals, the ebb tide delta, local tributaries, and inland rivers that carry sediment to San Francisco Bay, California.

Ferromanganese crusts were collected via dredge from seamounts within the Tuvalu Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Ocean during cruise RR1310 funded by the National Science Foundation aboard the R/V Roger Revelle in 2013. USGS scientists requested these ferromanganese crust samples from the Oregon State University Marine and Geology Repository where they had been archived. Ferromanganese crust samples were sent to USGS for subsampling and major and trace element geochemical analyses. Major and trace element data and thickness for the ferromanganese crusts as well as location information (latitude, longitude, depth) for each sample are provided here.

Ferromanganese crusts were collected via dredge from seamounts within the Tuvalu Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific Ocean during cruise RR1310 funded by the National Science Foundation aboard the R/V Roger Revelle in 2013. USGS scientists requested these ferromanganese crust samples from the Oregon State University Marine and Geology Repository where they had been archived. Ferromanganese crust samples were sent to USGS for subsampling and major and trace element geochemical analyses. Major and trace element data and thickness for the ferromanganese crusts as well as location information (latitude, longitude, depth) for each sample are provided here.

Ferromanganese crust samples were collected via dredge during four oceanographic research cruises to the western equatorial Pacific Ocean. The location (latitude, longitude, depth) and concentrations of 27 major and trace elements in the most recent growth layers of ferromanganese crusts from 57 dredge sites are presented here, as well as select seawater chemistry at each location. These data were used in statistical analyses to determine how oceanographic conditions affect the chemical composition of ferromanganese crusts throughout the region. The changes in ferromanganese crust composition show that modern measurements of these primary oceanographic parameters, as well as paleoceanographic reconstructions, can be used to define regions of interest for FeMn crust exploration.

Ferromanganese crust samples were collected via dredge during four oceanographic research cruises to the western equatorial Pacific Ocean. The location (latitude, longitude, depth) and concentrations of 27 major and trace elements in the most recent growth layers of ferromanganese crusts from 57 dredge sites are presented here, as well as select seawater chemistry at each location. These data were used in statistical analyses to determine how oceanographic conditions affect the chemical composition of ferromanganese crusts throughout the region. The changes in ferromanganese crust composition show that modern measurements of these primary oceanographic parameters, as well as paleoceanographic reconstructions, can be used to define regions of interest for FeMn crust exploration.