Application of Geometric α-Shapes to Analyze Soil Pore Space Using Microtomograms

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Abstract

This study proposes a new approach for analyzing images of the internal structure of soil (microtomograms) and modeling key hydrophysical functions based on the tomographic characteristics of the pore space. The approach is based on constructing a series of closed shells (α-shapes) around the studied three-dimensional section of the tomogram. These shells are capable of penetrating into the pores of the object with a diameter greater than a specified value. The dependence of the internal volume of the shells on the minimum pore size is analyzed. The algorithm of α-shapes construction simulates the process of drying pores connected to the surface and allows for analyzing the anisotropy of pore connectivity by limiting the permeability of a part of the object’s surface. The constructed α-shapes model the surface of the liquid phase, and the maximum curvature of the surface corresponds to the capillary pressure. The approach is applied to analyze samples of the soil microprofile of a crusty solonetz with a contrasting pore space structure. The microhorizons of the solonetz demonstrate pronounced closed porosity and anisotropy of pore connectivity. The approach allows for estimating the Water Retention Curve (WRC), pore connectivity, and anisotropy. The results were compared with typical known WRCs of solonetzic soil horizons in soils of Russia. A comparison of WRC models obtained based on 2D and 3D images was conducted. The method was also tested on tomograms of samples of aeolian laminated sandstone, for which both tomograms and direct WRC measurements were simultaneously available.

About the authors

A. A. Vladimirov

Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute; Joint Institute for Nuclear Research

Author for correspondence.
Email: artem.a.vladimirov@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow; Dubna

K. N. Abrosimov

Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute

Email: artem.a.vladimirov@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

T. A. Vasiliev

Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute

Email: artem.a.vladimirov@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

N. A. Vasilyeva

Dokuchaev Soil Science Institute

Email: artem.a.vladimirov@gmail.com
Russian Federation, Moscow

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