Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

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Scanning electron microscopy is simply the process of using a scanning electron microscope.

The scanning electron microscope became available commercially in the mid 1960s and is used by geologists to study pore geometry and diagenetic history in order to evaluate type, distribution, and flow of fluids in the lithosphere. The SEM is useful for examining the effect of fluids and chemical additives on rocks during enhanced oil recovery [1].

These images are from an SEM[2].


  1. Thomas, John B., and Edward D. Pittman, 1979, Applications of scanning electron microscopy to hydrocarbon exploitation: AAPG Bulletin, v. 63 No. 3, p. 539.
  2. Snider, Robert M., John S. Sneider, George W. Bolger, and John W. Neasham, 1997, Comparison of seal capacity determinations: Conventional cores vs. cuttings: AAPG Memoir 67, Chapter 1.

Molyneux (talk) 11:51, 11 December 2013 (CST)