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 <ref>Thomas, John B., and Edward D. Pittman, 1979, Applications of scanning electron microscopy to hydrocarbon exploitation: [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/1977-79/data/pg/0063/0003/0500/0539a.htm?q=%2BtextStrip%3Asem AAPG Bulletin, v. 63 No. 3, p. 539].</ref>. | 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 <ref>Thomas, John B., and Edward D. Pittman, 1979, Applications of scanning electron microscopy to hydrocarbon exploitation: [http://archives.datapages.com/data/bulletns/1977-79/data/pg/0063/0003/0500/0539a.htm?q=%2BtextStrip%3Asem AAPG Bulletin, v. 63 No. 3, p. 539].</ref>. |