Brief communication: Unravelling the composition and microstructure of a permafrost core using X-ray computed tomography

Abstract. The microstructure of permafrost ground contains clues to its formation and hence preconditioning future change. We applied X-ray computed microtomography (CT) obtain high-resolution data (Δx=50 µm) the composition a 164 cm long core drilled in Yedoma upland north-eastern Siberia. CT analysis allowed microstructures be directly mapped volumetric contents excess ice, gas inclusions, two distinct sediment types quantified. Using laboratory measurements coarsely resolved samples, we statistically estimated used it indirectly quantify pore organic matter, mineral material along core. conclude that is promising method for obtaining physical properties cores which opens novel research potentials.