X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) together with other 3D imaging techniques including NMR and synchrotron are becoming increasingly popular in geo-science, offering the ability to further investigate the intact properties of geo-materials. For instance, the soil physical environment which determines the operating environment for all physical, chemical and biological processes within the soil can be studied in undisturbed manner at different scales. Therefore, visualization and quantification of the porous architecture in both 2D and in particular 3D are of great importance for increasing our understanding of how soil functions in a multiscale manner. At the microscale, the topology and connectivity of the intra-aggregate pore network is of crucial importance for microbial processes, the sequestration of organic carbon, water storage and transport properties which are greatly associated with processes evolving at the larger scale. Similarly, X-ray CT is used to advance our understanding on root-soil interactions, which allow optimizing farming practices and ensure sustainability. Additionally, linking 3D quantified data obtained using X-ray CT with other techniques such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) is vital for advancing the modelling of soil hydraulic processes in a multi-scale manner.
In recent years, there has been a prominent evolution in equipment (multi-energy and phase contrast X-ray CT) and image analysis software, particularly for 2-D analysis, although volume data processing obtained from radiographs is becoming increasingly demanding for computing and programming resources. Therefore, this session also encourages contributions informing on the progress of image analysis techniques and advances in software packages, specifically for 3D analysis, which may provide solutions to present difficulties with volume processing and quantification.
Contributions to this session are welcomed and encouraged for presenters focusing on the use of X-ray computed tomography, NMR, synchrotron, and other relevant techniques in geosciences, as well as on advances in volume quantification and image analysis. Contributions from multi-scale studies integrating the mentioned techniques and others such as ERT and GPR towards understanding of soil function are also encouraged.