Core Image Capture System

Color is a readily observable physical property, and one which has long been used by geologists to correlate beds visible in outcrops. Unfortunately, the colors of most fresh marine sediments are too ephemeral, and color differences between layers typically are too subtle and too abundant for quantitative work to be accomplished reliably by human inspection. Overcoming these problems with a digital imaging system would allow scientists (1) to collect high-resolution images of the cores, while they are fresh, for later scientific study, and (2) to study color variation with depth as an indicator of geologic processes (time-series analysis) in a fashion similar to the MST-track measurements.

During 28-29 March 1996, the JANUS core description workshop met to define its specification for a core digital-image capture system. In doing so, it considered the requirements of the ODP core description workshop, IHP, SMP, JANUS, and ODP/TAMU. Based on presentations from and discussions with these groups, a summary of the minimum requirements for such a system has been developed:

A minimum resolution of 3 pixels per mm;
Image capture at a maximum time of 1 hr per core;
Color spectral data capture using a standard color system (e.g., CIE); and
Robustness (i.e., can withstand repeated and continuous use rates typical of those seen on high-recovery paleoceanographic cruises).

The group agreed that the most likely image-capture configuration is a medium-resolution camera, capturing images on a split-core track that moves the core past the camera at user-defined intervals.

Funds budgeted for this project will support hardware and software procurement during FY97, when the system will be substantially completed.

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