A new automated multi-function core scanning instrument, named ITRAX, has been developed that records optical, radiographic and elemental variations from sediment half cores up to 1.8 m long at a resolution as fine as 200 pm. An intense micro-X-ray beam focused through a flat capillary waveguide is used to irradiate samples to enable both Xradiography and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Data are acquired incrementally by advancing a split core, via a programmable stepped motor drive, through the flat, rectangular-section X-ray beam. Traditional XRF determination of element composition in sediments provides high-quality data, but it takes a considerable time and normally consumes gram quantities of material that is often only available in limited quantities. The ITRAX core scanner non-destructively collects optical and X-radiographic images, and provides highresolution elemental profiles that are invaluable for guiding sample selection for further (destructive) detailed sampling. This paper presents a description of the construction, characteristics and capabilities of the ITRAX system. High-resolution ITRAX data obtained from sediment cores are also presented and compared with results from traditional wavelength-dispersive XRF analysis at lower resolution. Finally, some recent technical developments linked to the second-generation ITRAX are presented.
XRF core scanners, with their rapid and non-destructive analytical capability, have now been used for two decades in the analysis of marine sediments. Initially they were used to record variations in fundamental parameters such as calcium carbonate stratigraphy and terrigenous sediment delivery, using major element integrals, such as Ca and Fe, to provide detailed insights into oceanographic and climatic processes. In recent years, proxy selection has progressed to routine normalisation and presentation as log-ratios to include 60 elements or ratios to document a wide range of environmental and process changes. We review the development and application of XRF core scanning of marine sediments and discuss the basis of particular proxies, their uses and limitations to assist users in their selection. To date, there has been no systematic overview of elemental proxies and their application in the analysis of marine sediment records.
The ITRAX micro-X-ray fluoresence (XRF) core scanner has been applied in a sediment geochemistry investigation. The core sections selected contain examples of the organic-rich sedimentary units (sapropels) that form periodically in the eastern Mediterranean basin. Sapropels are visually obvious from their dark coloration, but the ITRAX X-radiograph also reveals physical property changes that result mainly from the high pore-water content of sapropels. A consideration of wavelength-dispersive XRF data from discrete samples of the most recent sapropel (S1) was made along with the set of elements reported by the ITRAX instrument's energy-dispersive XRF system over core sections containing S1. This allowed selection of a suite of eight inter-element ratios or element integrals through which characteristic features of sapropel development and geochemistry were revealed. While recognizing that the measured XRF element integrals from the ITRAX do not have an exact constant relationship with element concentration over changing sediment types, this combination of ratios provides significant information for geochemical interpretation. These include evidence for: (i) the presence of high Corg contents in the visual sapropel from Ba/Ti and Br/C1 ratios; (ii) a thinning of the original sapropel thickness by post-depositional oxidation from Mn/Ti and Cu/Ti ratios; (iii) pyrite authigenesis in the residual visual sapropel from Fe/Ti and S/C1 ratios and the As integral; and (iv) aragonite formation in and around the sapropel from the Sr/Ca ratio. These same ratios were then used to interpret ITRAX data from a deeper section of the same core containing the older sapropel $3, where the same characteristics, including the relict post-depositional oxidative thinning of the original unit, could be identified with only minor differences of detail. Directions of supply of Fe, As and Cu into the sapropels could be inferred from profile shapes.
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