Toward improved accuracy and high throughput of automated classification of fine particle samples: examples of microfossils and volcanic ash

Abstract

Micron-size particles in sediment samples such as microfossils and volcanic glasses are useful stratigraphic correlation markers for geological investigations. The Geological Survey of Japan has been developing technologies to improve the accuracy of automated classification for the particles and their high throughput workflow. As examples of this initiative, an automated microfossil classification-extraction system and a virtual slide scanner are introduced and describe the advantages and future challenges of the automated classification in this paper.