APPLICATIONS OF X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPY IN THE GEOSCIENCES

Abstract

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a non-destructive technique with wide applications in various geological disciplines. It reveals the internal structure of objects, determined by variations in density and atomic composition. Large numbers of parallel 2D sections can be obtained, which allows 3D imaging of selected features. Important applications are the study of porosity and fluid flow, applied to investigations in the fields of petroleum geology, rock mechanics and soil science. Expected future developments include the combined use of CT systems with different resolutions, the wider use of related X-ray techniques and the integration of CT data with results of compatible non-destructive techniques.