soil and forensic geology

Soil Soil and and

Forensic GeologyForensic Geology

What Is Soil?What Is Soil?

Mixture of organic and inorganic Mixture of organic and inorganic materialmaterial

May range from 100% inorganic May range from 100% inorganic (sand) to nearly 100% organic (peat)(sand) to nearly 100% organic (peat)

Inorganic part is mineralsInorganic part is minerals Organic part is decayed plant and Organic part is decayed plant and

animal material and is sometimes animal material and is sometimes called called humushumus

Forensic Significance of SoilForensic Significance of Soil

Soil is class evidence - cannot be Soil is class evidence - cannot be individualized to a particular locationindividualized to a particular location There is no classification system for soilsThere is no classification system for soils Soils can be easily transportedSoils can be easily transported Soils within a few meters horizontally or Soils within a few meters horizontally or

vertically differ vertically differ

Forensic Analysis of SoilsForensic Analysis of Soils

Bulk analysisBulk analysis Density gradientDensity gradient Particle size distribution (sieving)Particle size distribution (sieving)

Inorganic componentsInorganic components Color (dissolve in water)Color (dissolve in water) Petrography - mineral analysis; Requires Petrography - mineral analysis; Requires

a good deal of skill and practicea good deal of skill and practice

Forensic Analysis of SoilsForensic Analysis of Soils

Organic componentsOrganic components Liquid chromatographyLiquid chromatography Oxygen availabilityOxygen availability Bacterial DNA? - Future possibilityBacterial DNA? - Future possibility

Why is soil such a good source Why is soil such a good source of evidence?of evidence?

Large Variations of soil characteristics Large Variations of soil characteristics Extreme Complexity of its compositionExtreme Complexity of its composition

MineralsMinerals OxidesOxides Organic MatterOrganic Matter MicroorganismsMicroorganisms Artificial additions (concrete, asphalt, plastics)Artificial additions (concrete, asphalt, plastics) Runoff additions (salt, fertilizers, pesticides)Runoff additions (salt, fertilizers, pesticides) Manufactured products: glass, paint, asphalt, Manufactured products: glass, paint, asphalt,

brick, industrial products,brick, industrial products, Complex Physical NatureComplex Physical Nature

Varies due to above compositionsVaries due to above compositions

Forensic Geologists Forensic Geologists The forensic Geologists examinations The forensic Geologists examinations

involve the identification of:involve the identification of: Earth materialsEarth materials Comparison of samples to Comparison of samples to

determine common sourcedetermine common source Studies that aid a criminal Studies that aid a criminal

investigations and intelligence investigations and intelligence studies.studies.

Forensic Geology In Forensic Geology In Intelligence WorkIntelligence Work

Remember the outcrop you saw behind Osama bin Remember the outcrop you saw behind Osama bin Laden on TV after September 11. What was the Laden on TV after September 11. What was the location? location?

A geologist who has done field work in the area A geologist who has done field work in the area would be able to locate that outcrop, and that would be able to locate that outcrop, and that actually happened: Geologist John Shroder was actually happened: Geologist John Shroder was able to identify the region where bin Laden had able to identify the region where bin Laden had been sighted in Afghanistan in 2001 (been sighted in Afghanistan in 2001 (see Geotimes, February 2002).

Forensic Geologists of the Past Forensic Geologists of the Past Starting in 1887 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Starting in 1887 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

wrote The Sherlock Holmes series used wrote The Sherlock Holmes series used soil and residues many times to link soil and residues many times to link individuals to specific locations.individuals to specific locations.

In 1893, Hans Gross, authored In 1893, Hans Gross, authored “Handbook for Examining Magistrates”. “Handbook for Examining Magistrates”. In it he suggested that the dirt on In it he suggested that the dirt on someone's shoes could tell more about someone's shoes could tell more about where a person had last been than many where a person had last been than many other techniques used in that time. other techniques used in that time.

The Eva Disch CaseThe Eva Disch Case In October 1904 a dirty handkerchief containing bits of In October 1904 a dirty handkerchief containing bits of

coal, snuff, and grains of the mineral hornblend was coal, snuff, and grains of the mineral hornblend was found at the murder scene of a seamstress named, Eva found at the murder scene of a seamstress named, Eva Disch. Disch.

A suspect was found who used snuff, and worked part-A suspect was found who used snuff, and worked part-time at both a coal burning gas works and a quarry that time at both a coal burning gas works and a quarry that had an abundance of the mineral hornblend.had an abundance of the mineral hornblend.

The suspect also had two layers of dirt in his pant cuffs. The suspect also had two layers of dirt in his pant cuffs. The lower layer matched the soil at the crime scene The lower layer matched the soil at the crime scene and the upper layer, characterized by a particular type and the upper layer, characterized by a particular type of mica particle, matched the soil found on the path to of mica particle, matched the soil found on the path to the victim's home. the victim's home.

When confronted with the evidence the suspect When confronted with the evidence the suspect confessed. (Murray and Tedrow, 1991, p. 4) confessed. (Murray and Tedrow, 1991, p. 4)

Forensic Geologists Forensic Geologists The microscope is and will remain an important tool.The microscope is and will remain an important tool. Qualifications and competence of examiners is a Qualifications and competence of examiners is a

major problem. major problem. Should those qualifications be regionalized? Should those qualifications be regionalized?

The future will see: The future will see: Improved training of those who collect and analyze Improved training of those who collect and analyze

samples samples Increased automated methods of examinationIncreased automated methods of examination Improved research:Improved research:

The diversity of soils The diversity of soils What parts of soil are transferred during various What parts of soil are transferred during various

types of contacts and could their be a patterntypes of contacts and could their be a pattern

Forensic Geologists QuestionsForensic Geologists QuestionsInterconnected by the following questions:Interconnected by the following questions:1.1. What is this material? What is this material? 2.2. Where did this material come from? Where did this material come from? 3.3. Is this material unique to a crime scene or Is this material unique to a crime scene or

unique to circumstances under which a unique to circumstances under which a criminal act was committed? criminal act was committed?

4.4. What is the geologic context of a crime What is the geologic context of a crime scene?scene?

My Husband Went hunting and My Husband Went hunting and never came home never came home

A pond with bentonite (clayish mud) in the A pond with bentonite (clayish mud) in the mountains of western Colorado proved to be a mountains of western Colorado proved to be a really great place to camp for John Dodson. really great place to camp for John Dodson.

Physical Properties of Soil Physical Properties of Soil

Soil Texture, Structure, CompactionSoil Texture, Structure, Compaction is the percent of sand, silt and clay in a is the percent of sand, silt and clay in a

soil. soil. sand is the coarsest (0.06 - 2 mm) sand is the coarsest (0.06 - 2 mm) silt is intermediate (0.002 - 0.06 mm) silt is intermediate (0.002 - 0.06 mm) clay is the finest (<0.002 mm) clay is the finest (<0.002 mm)

Soil TextureSoil Texture

The texture of a soil is determined by The texture of a soil is determined by the percentages of particles like the percentages of particles like sand, silt, & clay that it contains.sand, silt, & clay that it contains.

Physical Properties of Soil Physical Properties of Soil

Soil Comparison: Soil Comparison: Simple observations using local geologistsSimple observations using local geologists Color of dry sample, (1,100 controls)Color of dry sample, (1,100 controls) Texture of dry sampleTexture of dry sample Composition:Composition:

Mineralogy, Mineralogy, mineral: crystalline solidmineral: crystalline solid +2,200 minerals, +2,200 minerals,

40 commonly seen40 commonly seen ROCKS COMPOSION VARIES BASED ON MINERAL ROCKS COMPOSION VARIES BASED ON MINERAL

COMPOSITIONCOMPOSITION Mineral content Mineral content Grain sizeGrain size

LP Microscopy, shows animal, plant and artificial LP Microscopy, shows animal, plant and artificial remains and their %sremains and their %s

Side by side comparisonSide by side comparison

Minerals: Minerals: Minerals are used by various Minerals are used by various

commercial and industrial commercial and industrial companies.companies.

Brick, shale, plaster, and concrete Brick, shale, plaster, and concrete are all found in many indoor are all found in many indoor products, drywall insulation.products, drywall insulation.

Robbery suspects often have Robbery suspects often have minerals within clothing fibers. minerals within clothing fibers.

Why???? Why???? Locard’s Exchange PrincipleLocard’s Exchange Principle

Locard’s Exchange Locard’s Exchange PrinciplePrinciple

The exchange of materials The exchange of materials between two objects that between two objects that occurs whenever tow objects occurs whenever tow objects come into contact.come into contact.

Physical Properties of Soil Physical Properties of Soil OrganicsOrganics

Humus: a mixture of organic Humus: a mixture of organic material that binds nutrient mineral material that binds nutrient mineral ions and holds waterions and holds water..

Detritivores like Earthworms, termites, Detritivores like Earthworms, termites, and ants help to breakdown humus.and ants help to breakdown humus.

Humus persists in agricultural soil for Humus persists in agricultural soil for about 20 years. about 20 years.

Humus Humus CO CO22 + H + H22O + nutrient + O + nutrient + mineralsminerals

Physical Properties of SoilPhysical Properties of Soil(Organisms)(Organisms)

Bacterial and Protozoan Bacterial and Protozoan coloniescolonies

Plant litterPlant litter Fungi Fungi AnimalAnimal

Most common insects, arachnids, Most common insects, arachnids, and annelids and annelids

Materials in varying states of Materials in varying states of decomposition decomposition

Physical Properties of SoilPhysical Properties of Soil Soil Pore SpacesSoil Pore Spaces

Pore spaces: Occupy about 50% of Pore spaces: Occupy about 50% of a soils volume and can be filled a soils volume and can be filled with Hwith H22O (soil HO (soil H22O) or air (soil air).O) or air (soil air).

Soil air is found in larger pores.Soil air is found in larger pores. Soil HSoil H22O is found in smaller pores O is found in smaller pores

(0.05mm).(0.05mm).

Physical Properties of Soil Physical Properties of Soil Soil HorizonsSoil Horizons

Horizontal layers of Horizontal layers of organized soil. organized soil.

A soil profile is a A soil profile is a vertical section vertical section from surface to from surface to parent material.parent material.

Soil Horizon Soil Horizon BasicBasic

Soil Horizon Soil Horizon Basic Basic

Boreal ForestBoreal Forest

Soil Horizons Soil Horizons

Soil Horizons for Honors?? Soil Horizons for Honors??

Soil CollectionSoil Collection

Various interval 100 yard radius of the CS.Various interval 100 yard radius of the CS. Sampling Surface and Subsurface layersSampling Surface and Subsurface layers Approximately 1 tablespoon per sample Approximately 1 tablespoon per sample Individual plastic vialsIndividual plastic vialsOn SuspectOn Suspect Both soil and object are wrapped in paper Both soil and object are wrapped in paper Layering effect on vehicles: occurs over Layering effect on vehicles: occurs over

time due to sedimentation time due to sedimentation Collected separately only if jarred loose Collected separately only if jarred loose

Laboratory PossibilitiesLaboratory Possibilities Soil ComparisonsSoil Comparisons

Soil nutrients, Soil nutrients, Nitrate Nitrate and Phosphorusand Phosphorus

Water holding capacityWater holding capacity TextureTexture pHpH Organic ContentOrganic Content Sieve Percent Sieve Percent

Composition Composition Undisturbed vs. newly Undisturbed vs. newly

disturbed soildisturbed soil DensityDensity

Leads to other Leads to other chapterschapters

Crime Scene Crime Scene ImpressionImpression

Foot and tireFoot and tire AnthropologyAnthropology BotanicalsBotanicals Inductively coupled Inductively coupled

plasma mass plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS)spectrometry (ICPMS)(Ask Mark He can get you (Ask Mark He can get you

one)one)

Soil Comparison: Soil Comparison: • Differences in soils can identify Differences in soils can identify

location of victims, suspects, or location of victims, suspects, or the crime scene.the crime scene.

• Or Inconsistencies between Or Inconsistencies between them!!them!!• Remember the DEA SA Camarena? Remember the DEA SA Camarena?

Disturbed Soil Disturbed Soil Comparison: Comparison:

Newly Newly disturbed disturbed

Soil Soil showingshowing O-Layer: O-Layer:(Organic)(Organic)

fresh, fresh, organic organic topsoiltopsoillayerlayer

OldOldUndisturbedUndisturbed

Soil Soil same same

consistent consistent colorcolor

Excavations: Excavations:

Lab: Investigating Soil Lab: Investigating Soil Core Sampling Core Sampling

Lab: Finding Your PastLab: Finding Your Past

Objective: Locate evidence of a Objective: Locate evidence of a past structure that is no longer past structure that is no longer in existence.in existence.

Hint: Try to remember past Hint: Try to remember past homes, hangouts, relatives homes, hangouts, relatives homes . Can you think of a homes . Can you think of a structure structure Change the color of your house?Change the color of your house? Relocate a structure?Relocate a structure?

Lab: Finding Your PastLab: Finding Your Past

Charcoal tells us what??Charcoal tells us what??

Another Attempted Cremation: Another Attempted Cremation: Like Hitler, Like Hitler, Joseph and Magda Goebbels were cremated. The Joseph and Magda Goebbels were cremated. The bodies of their six children remained in the bodies of their six children remained in the bunker. They were found by Russian soldiers bunker. They were found by Russian soldiers when Berlin fell to the Allies.when Berlin fell to the Allies.

Density-Gradient Tube: Density-Gradient Tube: Glass tubes measuring 6 to 10 millimetres in diameter and 25 to 40 centimetres in length are Glass tubes measuring 6 to 10 millimetres in diameter and 25 to 40 centimetres in length are

filled with several layers of two liquids mixed in varying proportions such that each layer has a filled with several layers of two liquids mixed in varying proportions such that each layer has a different density. different density.

An example is the mixture of tetrabromoethane, which has a density of 2.96 gmL-1 with ethane, An example is the mixture of tetrabromoethane, which has a density of 2.96 gmL-1 with ethane, with a density of 0.789 gmL-1. with a density of 0.789 gmL-1.

The soil components then sink to the layers corresponding to their own density values and the The soil components then sink to the layers corresponding to their own density values and the distribution of particles can be compared between soil specimens. distribution of particles can be compared between soil specimens.

Sample from Crime Scene

Sports Pitch

College Gardens

Courtyard

Inductively coupled plasma mass Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The coupling of ICP-MS shows many advantages over other The coupling of ICP-MS shows many advantages over other analysis techniques.analysis techniques.

Benefits of the ICP over other radiation sources include Benefits of the ICP over other radiation sources include improvement in excitation and ionization efficiencies and improvement in excitation and ionization efficiencies and the reduction or elimination of many of the chemical the reduction or elimination of many of the chemical interferences found in flames or furnaces. interferences found in flames or furnaces.

Mass spectrometry generates a large amount of Mass spectrometry generates a large amount of information, has high throughput capabilities, high information, has high throughput capabilities, high sensitivity and low limits of detection. ICP-MS is capable of sensitivity and low limits of detection. ICP-MS is capable of multi-elemental detection which reduces analysis time and multi-elemental detection which reduces analysis time and therefore increases sample throughput. ICP-MS is one of therefore increases sample throughput. ICP-MS is one of the few analytical techniques that permits the quantifying the few analytical techniques that permits the quantifying of elemental isotopic concentrations and ratios.of elemental isotopic concentrations and ratios.

It can achieve very low limits of detection It can achieve very low limits of detection

Inductively coupled plasma mass Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)spectrometry (ICP-MS)

An analysis of the elemental composition of the soil. An analysis of the elemental composition of the soil. The plasma is formed by argon gas flowing through The plasma is formed by argon gas flowing through

a radiofrequency field where it is kept in a state of a radiofrequency field where it is kept in a state of partial ionization, i.e. the gas consists partly of partial ionization, i.e. the gas consists partly of electrically charged particles. This allows it to reach electrically charged particles. This allows it to reach very high temperatures of up to approx. 10,000ºC. very high temperatures of up to approx. 10,000ºC.

The sample being analyzed is introduced into the The sample being analyzed is introduced into the plasma as a fine droplet aerosol. ICP-MS is the plasma as a fine droplet aerosol. ICP-MS is the combination of an ICP with a mass spectrometer combination of an ICP with a mass spectrometer (MS). (MS).

The ions generated by the ICP are directed into the The ions generated by the ICP are directed into the MS, which separates the ions according to their MS, which separates the ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio. Thus, ions of a selected mass-mass-to-charge ratio. Thus, ions of a selected mass-to-charge ratio can be detected and quantified.to-charge ratio can be detected and quantified.

Inductively coupled plasma Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Finito’Finito’

Links: Links: www.channel4.co.uk/.../S/science/ www.channel4.co.uk/.../S/science/

images/fracture.gifimages/fracture.gif

http://www.file:///C:/InetTemp/http://www.file:///C:/InetTemp/Content.IE5/QFML2789/256,1,All Content.IE5/QFML2789/256,1,All About GlassAbout Glass

http://www.adtdl.army.mil/cgi-bin/atdl.dll/fm/19-20/Ch10.htm

Website link: Analytical Techniques for the Comparison of Soil Samples

Sewage leak do to inadequate Sewage leak do to inadequate SupportSupport

Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes

“…“…observation shows me that you observation shows me that you have been to the Post Office this have been to the Post Office this morning, but deduction lets me know morning, but deduction lets me know that you dispatched a telegram.”that you dispatched a telegram.”

Sherlock HolmesSherlock Holmes

““It is simplicity itself. Observation It is simplicity itself. Observation tells me that you have a little reddish tells me that you have a little reddish (soil) mould adhering to your instep. (soil) mould adhering to your instep. Just opposite the post office they have Just opposite the post office they have taken up the pavement and thrown up taken up the pavement and thrown up some earth. (It is) impossible to go to some earth. (It is) impossible to go to the post office without treading that the post office without treading that dirt. The earth is a particular reddish dirt. The earth is a particular reddish color not found anywhere else in town color not found anywhere else in town – observation – the rest is deduction.”– observation – the rest is deduction.”

Some Interesting? Cases Where Some Interesting? Cases Where Geological Evidence Has Been Geological Evidence Has Been

ImportantImportant Florida v. William Kennedy SmithFlorida v. William Kennedy Smith

South Dakota v. Donald Eugene MoellerSouth Dakota v. Donald Eugene Moeller

Colorado v. Walter OsborneColorado v. Walter Osborne

The Death of a DEA agent – Enrico The Death of a DEA agent – Enrico CamarenaCamarena

Florida v. William Kennedy Florida v. William Kennedy SmithSmith

WKS accused of rape of Patricia BowmanWKS accused of rape of Patricia Bowman Alleged attack on grass lawn behind Alleged attack on grass lawn behind

Kennedy estate in W. Palm Beach, FlKennedy estate in W. Palm Beach, Fl WKS alleged consensual sex on the beach WKS alleged consensual sex on the beach

near estatenear estate Jay Siegel used PLM to compare samples Jay Siegel used PLM to compare samples

from clothing of victim to lawn and beach from clothing of victim to lawn and beach areasareas

Samples consistent with beach, not lawnSamples consistent with beach, not lawn WKS acquitted of rapeWKS acquitted of rape

South Dakota v. Donald Eugene South Dakota v. Donald Eugene MoellerMoeller

Capital murder case of 9-year old Becky Capital murder case of 9-year old Becky O’Connell on May 8, 1990.O’Connell on May 8, 1990.

Testimony by soil expert refutes defendant Testimony by soil expert refutes defendant alibialibi

Victim snatched off street, raped, killed, Victim snatched off street, raped, killed, body dumped in woods. body dumped in woods.

Suspicion fell on Defendant because of Suspicion fell on Defendant because of prior sex crime involvement.prior sex crime involvement.

Found guilty and sentenced to death. Found guilty and sentenced to death. Appeal resulted in reversal owing to Appeal resulted in reversal owing to admission of evidence of prior bad acts.admission of evidence of prior bad acts.

South Dakota v. Donald Eugene South Dakota v. Donald Eugene Moeller (cont.)Moeller (cont.)

SD Supreme Court reversed and reinstated convictionSD Supreme Court reversed and reinstated conviction State geologist analyzed soil found in wheel wells of State geologist analyzed soil found in wheel wells of

defendant pickup truck. Issue was whether soil came defendant pickup truck. Issue was whether soil came from crime scene South of Sioux Falls or from a road from crime scene South of Sioux Falls or from a road North of Sioux Falls where defendant claimed he was North of Sioux Falls where defendant claimed he was at time of crimeat time of crime

Geologist testified that soil Geologist testified that soil could have come from could have come from crime scene. crime scene.

Opinion based on:Opinion based on: Colors and general characteristicsColors and general characteristics Soil was much lighter or could not have come from other Soil was much lighter or could not have come from other

roads in arearoads in area ““Sharp, clean” hornblende crystals much more likely to have Sharp, clean” hornblende crystals much more likely to have

come from crime scene areacome from crime scene area

South Dakota v. Donald Eugene South Dakota v. Donald Eugene Moeller (cont)Moeller (cont)

Part of appeal called for striking Part of appeal called for striking geologist’s testimony as being too geologist’s testimony as being too speculative as to conclusionsspeculative as to conclusions

At 2At 2ndnd trial, geologist came into more trial, geologist came into more evidence from scene and wheel well: evidence from scene and wheel well: dark green to black dark green to black gahnitegahnite found at found at scene and in evidence from truck. scene and in evidence from truck. This mineral extremely rare.This mineral extremely rare.

South Dakota v. Donald Eugene South Dakota v. Donald Eugene Moeller (cont)Moeller (cont)

Defense argued that geologist erred in Defense argued that geologist erred in identifying gahnite only by visual inspection. identifying gahnite only by visual inspection. Claimed that PLM should have been used (to Claimed that PLM should have been used (to confirm that gahnite is isotropic) and that x-confirm that gahnite is isotropic) and that x-ray diffraction should have been used to ray diffraction should have been used to confirm. Appeals court rejected appealconfirm. Appeals court rejected appeal

There was no discussion at trial whether the There was no discussion at trial whether the finding of both hornblende and gahnite near finding of both hornblende and gahnite near Sioux Falls was a rarity or could be due to Sioux Falls was a rarity or could be due to processing after mining elsewhere. Bedrock processing after mining elsewhere. Bedrock of Sioux Falls contains neither hornblende of Sioux Falls contains neither hornblende nor gahnite.nor gahnite.

Colorado v. Walter OsborneColorado v. Walter Osborne

Osborne botches kidnapping of Adolph Osborne botches kidnapping of Adolph Coors from his ranch near Morrison and Coors from his ranch near Morrison and kills Coorskills Coors

Ranch is near “Dakota Hogback” which Ranch is near “Dakota Hogback” which is made of Dakota sandstone underlain is made of Dakota sandstone underlain by gray, green and maroon clay stones, by gray, green and maroon clay stones, shales, more sandstone and limestone. shales, more sandstone and limestone. Dirt road near ranch was essentially Dirt road near ranch was essentially eroded, pulverized components of eroded, pulverized components of hogback.hogback.

Colorado v. Walter Osborne Colorado v. Walter Osborne (cont)(cont)

During kidnapping, a fight broke out and During kidnapping, a fight broke out and Osborne shot Coors. Fled in Osborne’s Osborne shot Coors. Fled in Osborne’s yellow Mercury with body. Fled south yellow Mercury with body. Fled south onto an unpaved road in next county. onto an unpaved road in next county. Then went west and climbed. Road Then went west and climbed. Road made of muddled dust; pink-feldspar. made of muddled dust; pink-feldspar. Dust was granite, but compared to Dust was granite, but compared to bedrock was deficient in iron and bedrock was deficient in iron and magnesium. magnesium.

As he climbed further, came into Pike’s As he climbed further, came into Pike’s Peak granite – very distinctive.Peak granite – very distinctive.


At 7200 ft, Osborne dumped body in At 7200 ft, Osborne dumped body in dump used by an Ashram. Body dump used by an Ashram. Body would not be found for 7 months. would not be found for 7 months.

Osborne went east and went on an Osborne went east and went on an unpaved road of black slags and unpaved road of black slags and drifted sands on a New Jersey barrier drifted sands on a New Jersey barrier island. He hid car and torched it with island. He hid car and torched it with gasoline.gasoline.


FBI investigation turned up Osborne in New JerseyFBI investigation turned up Osborne in New Jersey Although Osborne (discovered to be Joseph Although Osborne (discovered to be Joseph

Corbett, Jr) covered his tracks well but was writing Corbett, Jr) covered his tracks well but was writing his itinerary on the bottom of his car. his itinerary on the bottom of his car.

4 depositional strata found:4 depositional strata found: 44thth contained material from around New Jersey dump contained material from around New Jersey dump

where he burned carwhere he burned car 33rdrd contained pink feldspars of Pike’s Peak granite – near contained pink feldspars of Pike’s Peak granite – near

where body was foundwhere body was found 2nd had materials from Morrison hogback formation – 2nd had materials from Morrison hogback formation –

around Coor’s rangcharound Coor’s rangch 11stst had pink feldspars of other Front Range granites – had pink feldspars of other Front Range granites –

generally related to Rocky Mountain Front Rangegenerally related to Rocky Mountain Front Range

Death of a DEA Agent: Enrico Death of a DEA Agent: Enrico CamarenaCamarena

Story of how FBI geologist, Ron Rawalt Story of how FBI geologist, Ron Rawalt was able to determine, with certainty, was able to determine, with certainty, where Camarena body was buried, thus where Camarena body was buried, thus showing that Mexican govt. lied about showing that Mexican govt. lied about how he was killed.how he was killed.

He noticed a TV report of the killings. He noticed a TV report of the killings. The body was shown with soil clinging to The body was shown with soil clinging to it. The soil was obviously of a different it. The soil was obviously of a different color than the soil from the alleged color than the soil from the alleged burial site.burial site.

Death of a DEA Agent: Enrico Death of a DEA Agent: Enrico Camarena (cont)Camarena (cont)

He told the govt. that he could prove, He told the govt. that he could prove, with soil analysis alone, that Mexican with soil analysis alone, that Mexican govt. was lying about the murder.govt. was lying about the murder.

He went to Mexico and collected a He went to Mexico and collected a spoonful of soil from Camarena body. spoonful of soil from Camarena body. He compared that to the soil from He compared that to the soil from the alleged burial site and found the alleged burial site and found them to be entirely different.them to be entirely different.


Soil from bodySoil from body Spoke of mountainsSpoke of mountains 98% rhyolite ash (clean, high in silica, angular, 98% rhyolite ash (clean, high in silica, angular,

vesicular) – could be described as “airfall vesicular) – could be described as “airfall pumice”pumice”

Bixbyite – blacker than coalBixbyite – blacker than coal Pink glass of exceptional depth and richness of Pink glass of exceptional depth and richness of

color, he had never seen anything like it, except color, he had never seen anything like it, except in candyin candy

2 kinds of cristobalite: opalized and clear, 2 kinds of cristobalite: opalized and clear, elongate and faceted, clear polygonal columns elongate and faceted, clear polygonal columns (octehedrons). Resembled branch coral. Very (octehedrons). Resembled branch coral. Very rare to find both types together.rare to find both types together.


Pinpointing locationPinpointing location Research with Geological Survey and Research with Geological Survey and

Smithsonian minerologists located Smithsonian minerologists located specific location – A Jalisco state park specific location – A Jalisco state park called Bosques de la Primvera. called Bosques de la Primvera. Cristabolite was the result of a third-event Cristabolite was the result of a third-event calderea formation.calderea formation.

Location is on upslope of mountain in Location is on upslope of mountain in park or park itselfpark or park itself

Rawalt flew to Mexico as “DEA agent” (FBI Rawalt flew to Mexico as “DEA agent” (FBI agents were not allowed in to investigateagents were not allowed in to investigate


While Rawalt was in Mexico searching While Rawalt was in Mexico searching for the area of burial, FBI was for the area of burial, FBI was approached about a French consultant, approached about a French consultant, Loic Le Ribault. He was the head Loic Le Ribault. He was the head petrologist for the French national oil petrologist for the French national oil company and was said to be able to do company and was said to be able to do things geologically speaking, that other things geologically speaking, that other people couldn’t do. Show him a few people couldn’t do. Show him a few grains of sand and he could tell you grains of sand and he could tell you where they came fromwhere they came from


Le RibaultLe Ribault FBI tested him by giving him 3 samples:FBI tested him by giving him 3 samples:

Ash from Mt. St. HelensAsh from Mt. St. Helens Alluvium from river delta in S. Carolina related to Alluvium from river delta in S. Carolina related to

recent murderrecent murder Dirt from girders taken from bomb site in Beirut, Dirt from girders taken from bomb site in Beirut,

LebanonLebanon Ribault’s results:Ribault’s results:

Got location of ash from Mt. St. Helens within a few Got location of ash from Mt. St. Helens within a few miles of sourcemiles of source

River basin in American SouthestRiver basin in American Southest Bekaa valley in Lebanon – soil had been subjected to Bekaa valley in Lebanon – soil had been subjected to

explosionexplosion


Le Ribault’s contribution to Camarena Le Ribault’s contribution to Camarena casecase Was showed samples from park and body. Was showed samples from park and body.

He said “you are there, but not there”. Right He said “you are there, but not there”. Right elevation, but these are samples (from park) elevation, but these are samples (from park) from an area washing north. The site is an from an area washing north. The site is an area washing south. area washing south.

Sand deposited by water 4-5 ft. deep in a Sand deposited by water 4-5 ft. deep in a draw. Slope of draw <10 degrees. Shade draw. Slope of draw <10 degrees. Shade predominates.predominates.

Rawalt found exact location from this data.Rawalt found exact location from this data.

Soil and ASoil and Arsenic poisoning rsenic poisoning Washington State Patrol Forensic Geologist Bill Washington State Patrol Forensic Geologist Bill

Schneck became involved in the investigation into the Schneck became involved in the investigation into the serious illness of a small child caused by arsenic serious illness of a small child caused by arsenic poisoning. poisoning.

The suspected person was absolved when an The suspected person was absolved when an examination of the child's house revealed a number of examination of the child's house revealed a number of mineral specimens left in the house and the yard by a mineral specimens left in the house and the yard by a former occupant who was a mineral collector. Many of former occupant who was a mineral collector. Many of those specimens were arsenopyrite, an iron arsenic those specimens were arsenopyrite, an iron arsenic sulfide. sulfide.

The child had been eating and chewing on the material. The child had been eating and chewing on the material.

An Early Case: An Early Case: The Father Patrick Heslin The Father Patrick Heslin

CaseCase In Colma, California on 2 August In Colma, California on 2 August 19211921 a priest, a priest,

Father Patrick Heslin, was kidnapped and a Father Patrick Heslin, was kidnapped and a ransom note was received, but there was no ransom note was received, but there was no

further contact from the kidnapper. further contact from the kidnapper. The priest's body was found on a local beach by The priest's body was found on a local beach by

William Hightower, a master baker. However, William Hightower, a master baker. However, sand grains found on Hightower's knife and in his sand grains found on Hightower's knife and in his room matched the beach sand at the site where room matched the beach sand at the site where the body was found. Hightower was convicted of the body was found. Hightower was convicted of

the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in San Quentin.San Quentin.

soil and forensic geology

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