Heterogeneity analysis of clastic sediments by computerized X-ray tomographs

Abstract

The CT technique is unique because it provides a non-destructive evaluation of sedimentary rocks. The absorption of X-radiation, emitted by a high-voltage generator, depends on the bulk density and atomic weight of the substance. The lower the density of the material, the more transparent it is to X-rays. If the emitted energy is constant, the absorption depends only on the density of the substance, which is represented by different Hounsfield Units. In case study No. 1, a pelitic core sample of an ox-bow lake environment was analyzed. The mathematical-statistical estimates and significant time-series model (ARIMA) proved that the data coming from the CT images show the presence of micro-cycles. The applied method proved the influence of seasonal floods on local sedimentation. In case study No. 2, the data represent a younger and an older Bouma sequence. The macroscopic study suggests that there are two C units in the core, because an erosional surface is clearly identifiable between the older and the you...