Forensic Geology: Unveiling Crime Through Earth’s Clues

 

By Alina prem (Garden city university,

Msc Forensic science graduate,

Bengaluru).

Forensic geology is the important interdisciplinary science that incorporates the geological sciences into criminal investigations. Materials such as soil, rocks, and minerals, when analyzed by forensic geologists, provide critical evidence necessary to help in associating suspects with crime scenes, solutions of environmental crimes, and even in the identification of victims.

Applications in Criminal Investigations:

Forensic geology makes crucial contributions to criminal cases involving homicide, burglary, and environmental offenses. For instance, soil examination perhaps may indicate special geologic markers that would serve to positively identify a suspect as having been at a crime scene. This is based upon the "Locard Exchange Principle" that simply states that whenever two objects come into contact, materials will be exchanged between them.

It has been used in high-profile cases, such as the "Yorkshire Ripper investigation”, where forensic geology was important in determining how soil evidence linked the suspect with diverse crime scenes. Such cases have been able to show that geological evidence supports other forensic information and, therefore, increases the efficiency of such investigations.

Techniques of Forensic Geology:

There are various methods by which forensic geologists carry out an analysis of earth materials. Some of the techniques include:

Soil Analysis: This involves studying the physical and chemical properties of soil.

 Mineralogical Examination: This is the identification of minerals in samples with the purpose of determining their origin.

Geochemical Analysis: This involves the analysis of its chemical composition to trace the source of a material .

Newer technologies, such as "Geographic Information Systems (GIS)" and "isotopic analysis", have really improved forensic geology. GIS allows the geological evidence to be analyzed spatially, while isotopic analysis can reveal the geological history of a material. This helps in victim identification by locating the area where certain material could have been found and, thereby, assists in linking a suspect to that location.

Challenges and Future Directions:

Despite the described efficiency, forensic geology faces challenges regarding the standardization of methods and encouraging collaboration between the different disciplines. Full-scale integration of geological evidence within the context of other forensic disciplines remains a priority. Guidelines concerning sampling and analyses have to be elaborated to ensure consistency and reliability.

With each advancement in technology, the impact of forensic geology on criminal justice will continue to increase. Scientific rigor coupled with technological advancement renders the forensic geological field a force to be relied upon in presenting objective evidence that assists in the pursuit of justice.

References:

1. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/forensic-geology-earth-sciences-and-criminal-investigation

2. https://www.sifsindia.com/blog-details/forensic-geology-earth-science

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_geology

4. https://www.mdpi.com/journal/forensicsci/special_issues/215E83UM71

5. https://www.academicblock.com/science/web-of-forensic-science/forensic-geology

6. https://sd57.libguides.com/c.php?g=300612&p=2008256