Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Polymetallic nodules cover vast areas of the continental shelf.
2. They are more abundant in areas off the west coast of Mexico in the Pacific, the Central Indian Ocean Basin, and the Peru basin.
3. They are composed mainly of Manganese, Iron, silicates, and hydroxides.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: Only 2 and 3
Notes: Statement 1 is incorrect as polymetallic nodules cover vast areas of the deep ocean floor (abyssal plain), not the continental shelf. Statements 2 and 3 are correct; polymetallic nodules are most abundant off the west coast of Mexico, the Central Indian Ocean Basin, and the Peru basin, and are composed mainly of manganese, iron, silicates, and hydroxides.