Dark, round nodules densely cover the light sandy ocean floor in the deep sea.
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Polymetallic Nodules
This field of polymetallic nodules was seen during Dive 04 of the 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration expedition at a depth of approximately 5,140 meters (3.2 miles). Sediment scoops and push core samples were collected here for scientific assessment.
Credit

NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2026 American Samoa ROV + Mapping Exploration