Data support for modelling of deep-sea mining impacts

The paper critically reviews the presently available experimental data from various tests and experiments connected with the deep sea mining issue with regard to their feasibility in supporting and validating the developed numerical models. Numerical modelling is applied mainly to predetermining the plume development and seafloor blanketing caused by various sediment discharges. The paper describes processes included in these models and discusses the experimental acquisition of needed model parameters. The existing models and their validation are shortly reviewed and parameters essential to operate and validate them are pointed out. Recommendations for further field studies are given in order to improve the quality of model forecasts.