High-resolution computed tomography is widely used in inspecting geological samples, for example in the exploration for new resources. High-resolution CT-systems provide three-dimensional images at microscopic resolution of rock samples, binders, cements and cavities and help identify certain sample characteristics such as size and location of voids in oil-bearing rock.
 | nanoCT® of a compacted sample of salt used for landfilling purposes (tomographic layer). Both distribution and density are visualized three-dimensionally. (Images courtesy of the Geoscience Center, Goettingen University) |
 | Three-dimensional image of a sample of pillow basalt (pillow lava). Virtual cross-sectional images in any direction by mouse-click allow exploring the sample microstructure. (Images courtesy of the Geoscience Center, Goettingen University) |
 | 3D-image of the same pillow basalt sample as above. The rock itself was faded out to better visualize the void structure, the size and volume of which can now be measured. (Images courtesy of the Geoscience Center, Goettingen University) |
 | nanoCT® of a sample of biogenic methane-lime. The rock was faded out to better visualize the void structure. The voxel resolution of 2 µm enables the analysis of even the finest interior structures. (Images courtesy of the Geoscience Center, Goettingen University) |