Soil (33-43)

Question 1

Soil characterization and evaluation (Stage 1).

Answer 1

Initial characterization of screening for samples. Visually compare samples with microscope. Use soil morphological descriptors such as color, consistency, structure, texture, segregation/coarse fragments, abundance of roots/pores.

Question 2

Soil characterization and evaluation (Stage 2).

Answer 2

Semi detailed characterization. X ray powder diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (Drift), Mass/Volume magnetic susceptibility method.

Question 3

Soil characterization and evaluation (Stage 3).

Answer 3

Detailed characterization. In cases of small samples, pressed powder for XRD analysis not suitable. SEM and TEM are frequently used to examine morphology and chemical composition. FTIR. Bacterial community DNA profiles.

Question 4

Forensic Geoscience. Large scale global analysis of seismology.

Answer 4

Detection of large explosions. Locate aircraft crashes remotely.

Question 5

Forensic Geoscience. Searching for buried objects.

Answer 5

Geologist makes desktop study of bedrock geology, surface deposits, soils, topography, past and present land use.

Question 6

Forensic Geoscience. Range of data will:

Answer 6

• Limit search area prior to any field.
• Assessment of diggability, thickness of soil and sediment.
• Access route.
• Places that have been altered are identified.

Question 7

Forensic Geoscience. Medium scale.

Answer 7

• Comparing soil, sediment or rock from suspect’s and victims from possible crime scene. Questions asked:
• Where has deceased been?
• Where has the illegal package or vehicle been?
• What is the substance on a victim, suspect or material?

Question 8

Soil Categories in Forensic Investigations:

Answer 8

• Questioned samples whose origin is unknown or disputed (suspect or victim).
• Control samples whose origin is known, usually from specific sites directly related to investigation such as known or proposed crime scene.
• Alibi samples whose origin is known and provide a measure of the uniqueness of the questioned and controlled samples.

Question 9

Diversity of human made soils. Human made and urban soils’ general terms used to indicate soils under strong human influence in urban and suburban areas:

Answer 9

• Characterized by strong spatial heterogeneity.
• Brick fragments
• Compost
• Toxic waste
• Mixing of original soil material
• Mine soils
• ## Characterized by diversity, heterogeneity and complexity.

Question 10

Soil maps produced at different scales to depict soils over:

Answer 10

• Large areas such as world, countries and regions (1:100,000 or larger scale).
• Detailed areas such as farms (1:10,000 or larger scale).