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USGS · 70013016

Elemental X-ray mapping of agglutinated foraminifer tests: A non- destructive technique for determining compositional characteristics.

R.F. Commeau·Leslie A. Reynolds·C. W. Poag
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Abstract

The composition of agglutinated foraminiferal tests vary remarkably in response to local substrate characteristics, physiochemical properties of the water column and species- dependant selectivity of test components. We have employed a technique that combines a scanning electron microscope with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer system to identify major and minor elemental constituents of agglutinated foraminiferal walls. As a sample is bombarded with a beam of high energy electrons, X-rays are generated that are characteristic of the elements present. As a result, X- ray density maps can be produced for each of several elements present in the tests of agglutinated foraminifers.

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R.F. Commeau, Leslie A. Reynolds, C. W. Poag. 1985. Elemental X-ray mapping of agglutinated foraminifer tests: A non- destructive technique for determining compositional characteristics.. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70013016

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