3-D
Visualization of Soil Macroporosity using
X-ray CAT Scanning (1995-1999/ Research Team: J. Perret, S. Prasher, A. Kantzas) |
A total of 240 scans of 3-mm depth were taken for each column. After conversion of the raw CAT scan data into density matrices, two- and three-dimensional soil density reconstructions were generated. With the elaboration of numerous computer programs in the PV-WAVE language, this analysis gives a detailed representation of the spatial variations of the macropore structure and heterogeneity of the soil. (Click here for more info) |
Computer Assisted Tomography (CAT) offers considerable potential for reliable and non- destructive in-situ characterization of macropores occurring in agricultural soils. Several researchers have used CAT techniques for characterizing spatial distribution of soil macropores of undisturbed soil cores. However there is still a need to develop comprehensive algorithms to automate the analysis and interpretation of macropore geometry directly from CAT scan data. Four undisturbed soil columns (800 mm long x 77 mm diameter) were extracted from a loamy sand field in Central Canada, and scanned for the visualization and characterization of their interconnecting macropore structure.
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Click here to view a 3D animation of soil macropores reconstructed by CAT scanning
© 2000 Johan Perret