Abstract:

X-ray Computed Tomography provides realistic basis for the interpretation of the morphology, structure, taphonomy and related environmental characteristics of the biogenic sedimentary structures. X-ray Computed Tomography can assist non-sample-destructive reconstruction the internal structure, and generates high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) bioglyph images. The technique can enhance the analyze of the morphological and structural characteristics of biogenic sedimentary structures. This technoque can then be used to study biological behaviors, ecological habits and the analogy of trace fossils. Meanwhile, it supports the identification and morphological classification and ecological classification of trace fossils, which provides a more accurate indication of the reconstruction of paleogeographic and palaeoecological environment. In addition, the undefined trace fossils left by conventional analytical techniques could be re-analyzed. The application of X-ray computed tomography in biogenic structure identification will produce new understanding and new ideas. It will also promote the X-ray computed tomography in ichnological applications.

Key words: ichnology, trace fossil identification, X-ray computed tomography, non-sample-destructive 3D imaging, biogenic sedimentary structure