This study provides a description of a method of observing conodont elements in pelagic deep-sea sedimentary rocks (chert and siliceous claystone) using laboratory-based X-ray computed microtomography for the first time. By careful preparation of conodonts embedded in rock samples and processing of tomographic sections, we managed to produce 3D images with high enough spatial resolutions for identification of conodonts at the species level. The method established in this study drastically increases the efficiency of obtaining conodont data by allowing the observation of specimens that are impossible to extract by the conventional acid dissolution methods. It is also advantageous to observation of conodonts on rock surfaces using optical microscopes in that the angle of view is unrestricted. The use of X-ray microscopes will promote high-resolution investigations of biostratigraphy and will also be useful in the quantitative measurement of morphological characters of conodonts in pelagic deep-sea sedimentary rocks.

中文翻译：

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使用基于实验室的 X 射线计算机显微断层扫描技术鉴定中上层深海硅质沉积岩中的牙形石化石

本研究首次描述了使用基于实验室的 X 射线计算机显微断层扫描技术观察远洋深海沉积岩（燧石和硅质粘土岩）中牙形石元素的方法。通过仔细准备嵌入岩石样品中的牙形石并处理断层切片，我们设法生成了具有足够高空间分辨率的 3D 图像，用于在物种级别识别牙形石。本研究中建立的方法通过观察传统酸溶解方法无法提取的标本，极大地提高了获取牙形石数据的效率。使用光学显微镜观察岩石表面的牙形石也是有利的，因为视角不受限制。