The use of visible and infrared spectrometry for sediment core analysis is gaining recognition as a cost- effective method for sediment characterization, primarily due to advances in dedicated hyperspectral scanning systems. However, the acquisition of the necessary scanning equipment represents a significant financial commitment, as it requires the integration of sophisticated mechatronics and precise synchronization with hyperspectral image acquisition processes. We present our experiences regarding the feasibility and prospective outcomes of an affordable sediment core scanning system based on the Specim IQ platform. In contrast to existing commercial systems, this approach involves the acquisition of a series of sequential, overlapping images for each sediment core, which can be subsequently merged by software processing into a single hyperspectral image. This approach obviates the need for costly, sophisticated mechanotronics and fine synchronization with the optical system, typically required by line-scanning systems. A Specim IQ system (https://www.specim.com/iq/tech-specs) was placed on a conventional photography slider at a height of 19 cm from the core surface. At this distance, the IQ system produced hyperspectral reflectance images with a spatial resolution of 0.2 mm, covering an area of 10 cm x 10 cm, sufficient to include the width of the core and two additional fringes for the rulers. We shifted the IQ with the slider in steps of 5 cm, so 7 to 20 hyperspectral images were needed to cover a given core, depending on its length. We planned a relatively large overlap between adjacent images to facilitate subsequent automatic stitching into a single hyperspectral image per core

IACT-GEO3BCN-MSGP-0224 within the program "Intercambios Científicos Conexión Geociencias Maria Pilar Mata Campo” 2024.

Peer reviewed