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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2006; v. 267; p. 39-50;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2006.267.01.03
© 2006 Geological Society of London

The Avaatech XRF Core Scanner: technical description and applications to NE Atlantic sediments

Thomas O. Richter1, Sjerry van der Gaast1, Bob Koster2, Aad Vaars3, Rineke Gieles1, Henko C. de Stigter1, Henk De Haas1 & Tjeerd C. E. van Weering1

1 Department of Marine Chemistry and Geology, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, The Netherlands thomasr{at}nioz.nl
2 Department of Marine Technology, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), P.O. Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, The Netherlands
3 Avaatech Analytical X-Ray Technology, Wagenmakerstraat 11, 1791 EJ Den Burg, The Netherlands

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) core scanning provides rapid high-resolution (down to 1 mm) records of chemical composition on split sediment cores. The measurements are non-destructive and require very limited sample preparation. The new Avaatech XRF Core Scanner, operational since 2002, covers the atomic mass range from Al to U. Instrument parameters, especially tube voltage, can be adjusted to provide optimum settings for selected elements or sets thereof. Owing to the nature of the surface of split sediment cores, particularly effects resulting from sample inhomogeneity and surface roughness, results are semiquantitative, yet provide reliable records of the relative variability in elemental composition downcore. Selected case studies from diverse sedimentary settings in the NE Atlantic Ocean illustrate a range of applications of XRF logging data. These include preliminary stratigraphic interpretations (glacial-interglacial cycles), provenance studies of the terrigenous sediment fraction, lithological characterization, early diagenetic processes and distinction between carbonate phases (aragonite v. calcite).





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Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 2006; 267: 1 - 29.
[Abstract] [PDF]