Automatic Fission Track Identification and Analysis in Apatite Crystals

Apatite to Zircon, Inc. Computer Science, 2012-13

Liaison(s): Ray Donelick P15
Advisor(s): Christopher Stone
Students(s): Mary Rachel Stimson (PM), Eli Omernick, Colin Bundschu, Peter Andrien

Apatite to Zircon, Inc. is a geological services firm that provides services analyzing grains of apatite crystals from rocks. Previously, apatite grain analysis had been completed by hand. Our team researched and improved upon existing automation techniques by using a number of image-processing and machine-learning algorithms. These automation techniques will make it easier for Apatite to Zircon, Inc. to analyze apatite grains and to educate new geologists.