The influence of secondary processes on the porosity of volcanic rocks: A multiscale analysis using 3D X-ray microtomography

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes Vol. 172; p. 109657
• Main Authors: Vieira, Lucas Debatin, Moreira, Anderson Camargo, Mantovani, Iara Frangiotti, Honorato, Alisson Rech, Prado, Orlando Faria, Becker, Monique, Fernandes, Celso Peres, Waichel, Breno Leitão
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Digital image analysis; Multiscale analysis; Porosity; Vesicles; Volcanic rocks; X-ray microtomography; Vesicles; Porosity; Volcanic rocks; Digital image analysis; X-ray microtomography; Multiscale analysis
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2021.109657

The porosity of volcanic rocks can be strongly affected by secondary processes such as the percolation of water and hydrothermal fluids, thus promoting crystallization of secondary minerals in the pores. With an aim to evaluate the impact of secondary mineral fillings, this paper shows the segmentation of secondary and filled pores based on the micro-CT technique. The mineralogy of the sample was analyzed with optical microscopy. Multiscale analysis was performed to determine the total porosity before and after the processes. The results show the influence on the permeability parameter caused by crystallization. •Primary permeability predictions for a volcanic rock that suffered pore filling processes.•Multi-scale porosity determination by means of a mathematical model applied to microCT images.•Multi-scaled pore size distribution of a volcanic rock sample.•Analysis of the influence of pore-filling events by minerals in the permeability of a sample.