11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
[MIS13-11] Forensic Geology: A review of recent researches in Japan
Keywords:forensic geology, crime scene, forensic science
Forensic geology is the applications in policing and law enforcement, and is broadly divided into three categories: analysis of geological trace evidence, ground search for burials, and crime scene investigations using geological and geographic maps [1-3]. We think that forensic geology comprises a myriad of interesting applications of the knowledge and techniques in geology, and plays a vital role in the human society. The demand and opportunities for accessing forensic science has been drastically growing since the practice of the lay judge system in 2009, and the promotion of scientific investigations are needed in Japan.
We introduce the recent researches of forensic geology in Japan. We indicate the examples of geophysical explorations on soils and beaches in Japan. Analytical methods of beach and marine sediments, and soils which are collected from crime scenes will be presented. Because such samples are often small in amount, and must be archived as evidence after forensic examination, non-distractive methods which are applicable to small samples are desirable. In order to estimate provenances of soils and sediments in the criminal investigations, we present not only basic applications of chemical and physical analyses, but also challenging and developing methods.
[1] the International Union of Geological Sciences’ (IUGS) Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG) IUGS-IFG https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iugs/
[2] Sugita, Kawamura and Kumisaka (2020) Jour. Geol. Soc. Japan, vol. 126, 407-410.
[3] L.J. Donnelly, D. Pirrie, M. Harrison, A. Ruffell and L.A. Dawson (2021) A Guide to Forensic Geology.
We introduce the recent researches of forensic geology in Japan. We indicate the examples of geophysical explorations on soils and beaches in Japan. Analytical methods of beach and marine sediments, and soils which are collected from crime scenes will be presented. Because such samples are often small in amount, and must be archived as evidence after forensic examination, non-distractive methods which are applicable to small samples are desirable. In order to estimate provenances of soils and sediments in the criminal investigations, we present not only basic applications of chemical and physical analyses, but also challenging and developing methods.
[1] the International Union of Geological Sciences’ (IUGS) Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG) IUGS-IFG https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iugs/
[2] Sugita, Kawamura and Kumisaka (2020) Jour. Geol. Soc. Japan, vol. 126, 407-410.
[3] L.J. Donnelly, D. Pirrie, M. Harrison, A. Ruffell and L.A. Dawson (2021) A Guide to Forensic Geology.