Articles | Volume 19, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4259-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-19-4259-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
06 Oct 2025
Research article |
| 06 Oct 2025
| 06 Oct 2025
Ground ice estimation in permafrost samples using industrial computed tomography and multi-sensor core logging and comparison to destructive measurements
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
UGent Geotechnical Institute, Ghent University, Technologiepark 68, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
Joel Pumple
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Jordan Harvey
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Duane Froese
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Ice content is a critical variable in the context of thawing permafrost, and permafrost cores provide a means to measure the characteristics of frozen ground; however, these measurements are typically destructive and time intensive. Multi-sensor core logging (MSCL) provides a fast, non-destructive method to image permafrost cores, measure bulk density, and estimate ice content. The use of MSCL will improve existing digital permafrost archives by adding high-quality and reproducible data.
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Short summary
This study investigated the application of CT (computed tomography) scanning to tackle the limitations of traditional destructive methods in characterizing permafrost cores. Five different permafrost cores were scanned at resolutions of 65 and 25 μm with new calibration method. The identification of different materials from CT images showed air (gas), ice (excess and pore), and sediments using an Otsu segmentation method. The results were validated by a destructive (cuboid) and a non-destructive method.
This study investigated the application of CT (computed tomography) scanning to tackle the...
