(Table 1, page 345) Organism borrowing into manganese nodules from the Blake Plateau area

Eighty-seven manganese nodules, representing 6 different locations at depths ranging from 2400 to 7400 m, from the eastern edge of the Blake Plateau were studied. Most of the nodules contained secondary structural textures resulting from the apparent burrowing of marine microfauna. This biogenic activity produced modification of the original growth patterns. In many cases the burrowed zones served as favored sites for redeposition of iron-manganese material. Transmitted light and scanning electron microscope analysis revealed the presence of 3 types of organic activity: (1) agglutinated foraminiferal tests; (2) pre-bored clay particles acting as nuclei or later included during nodule growth; and (3) younger burrows that cross-cut all older structures. In many instances this cross-cutting action resulted in almost total eradication of areas of the original growth patterns. The final texture may be mistaken for a similar growth texture previously classified as mottled, but a more specific genetic term might be 'disrupted'.