Abstract
A comparative investigation of the same specimen of scleractinian Fungia fungites L. coral skeleton performed by means of both X- and γ-ray computer axial tomography has revealed several features such as annual growth rings, gastrovascular cavity or sclerosepta to sixths order and more. The apparent thickens of scleorosepta varied between 0.1 and 0.19 mm while the number of growth rings allows us to estimate the average annual growth ratio to about 8 mm/y. Although X-ray computer axial tomography images appear to be of a better quality, no significant differences concerning sensitivity or spatial resolution could be noticed between the two categories of tomographs.
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank Ms. Carolina Stamu for her help in preparing this paper, Dr. Teodor Nalbant for his assistance in describing the morphology of the investigated specimen and two anonymous referees for their pertinent and useful remarks.