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Forensic Geology

(tutor - Mike Horne FGS, Hull University)

for the University of Hull

Departments of Chemistry and Lifelong Learning

Introduction:

It would be impossible to include the whole three years of the geology degree in the couple of lectures. Nor would I able to pass on my years of research experience as well! So have approached this task from the point of view of the consumer of geological knowledge rather than that of a seeker of knowledge. I have also had to assume that you as the consumer of geological knowledge have no experience in that field at present.

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The field of "forensic geology" or "geoforensics" is quite large and the boundaries are not defined! This is probably because some other principles involved are similar to the ones in forensic archaeology and because some of the areas of expertise of geologists crossover into other sciences. For instance the study of microfossils as a specialised field will include both modern and fossilised material and also microfossils that are up to 15 centimetres in diameter!

"Forensic geology" is also just the accurate application of geological principles and techniques applied to the investigation of crimes and any subsequent legal proceedings. There is therefore a duty for the geologist to be very careful and accurate in his or her work. It is of utmost importance to avoid any confusion or contamination of samples and data.

I used to work at the hospital in Hull analysing blood: one sample blood looks very much like another to the eye but I had to analyse several hundred samples in a day and get the results back to the ward as soon as possible. The patients treatment may have depended on the results: their health was in my hands! My research into the microfossils of the Yorkshire Chalk involves collecting and processing little bags of clay. The fossils are about half a milimetre in diameter (really too small to see with the naked eye) so it is impossible to spot any contamination that occurs processing yet contamination could cause a major scientific error.

Through both these examples I have learnt that careful labeling and processing of samples to utmost importance and that the there is any doubt as to the integrity of the sample it should be rejected. Even when collecting minerals or nice macrofossils the scientific importance of the specimen is its provenance: without accurate provenance information it is just a nice coffee-table "collectable"! I might remember where when I found a rare macrofossil but one bag of mud looks very much like the next. Just as I might remember where and when I bought my best suit but they don't remember where when I bought each pair of the 30 identical black socks!

The same principle must apply to forensic geology: any sample or information with suspect provenance or possible contamination could alter the course of investigation or lead to a miscarriage of justice!

Another principle I have learnt the hard way is in science we should not jump to conclusions. We should always be impartial and carry out the science for its own sake. It is very tempting when we think we have the answer to then look for evidence to support it. It is far more important together the evidence in a methodical way and then look for patterns that link the data.

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