Textural Characterization Using Gy’s Heterogeneity Functions

Abstract

A solid can be regarded as a set of contiguous elementary units. The distribution within the solid of any properties, measurable within each elementary unit, can be characterized using two parameters. These parameters are built using the constitution and distribution heterogeneities of P. Gy (1982, 1988). The former account for the granularity of the elementary units, whereas the latter assess the spatial distribution of the property. A texture which definition involves several properties can be described using a diagram where both parameters work as variables. Potential applications encompass: (i) the textural classification of soils, ore, breccia and concrete and (ii) the monitoring of textural transformation during process like dolomitization, metamorphism, weathering, deformation or annealing.