CONSTRUCTIONAL AND DESTRUCTIONAL PATTERNS-VOID CLASSIFICATION OF RHODOLITHS FROM GIGLIO ISLAND, ITALY

摘要

Micro-CT analysis has been established as a useful, non-destructive method for assessing the inner arrangement of rhodoliths. In this study, micro-CT analyses and sectioning techniques are used for void space assessment, the reconstruction of growth histories, and their related environmental conditions in present-day rhodoliths from Giglio Island (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). The rhodoliths are investigated with respect to shape, taxonomy and growth forms of coralline red algae, constructing fauna and flora, degree of porosity, and types of void formation. Porosity within the nodules is calculated using image processing software based on slab surfaces and micro-CT, enabling recognition of different void types at various scales as well as their distribution throughout the rhodoliths.