3D textural characterization of rocks representing S. Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal)

The role of the physical and microstructural properties of lavas impacts the dynamics of magma ascent and of the volcanic edifice itself. In the context of a doctoral project, ten samples representative of the central volcanoes of S. Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal), priorily collected in available outcrops in the island, were microstructurally assessed for the first time in the INGV-OV (Naples). Imaging was processed by the ZEISS Xradia Versa 410 X-ray computed microtomography. This tool enables accurate and complete textural characterization of rocks by providing 3D images of the samples. Posteriorly, the rocks were analysed with a dedicated image analysis software to resolve the internal microstructure of the samples. determining several key properties (porosity, permeability, fracturation, and crystal content) that are of major relevance for a posterior physical and mechanical assessment.

This publication results from work conducted under the transnational access/national open access action at magLab, INGV-OV (Naples, Italy) supported by WP3 ILGE - MEET project, PNRR - EU Next Generation Europe program, MUR grant number D53C22001400005.