Characteristics of SoilPg. 111-115

any disintegrated surface material, both natural and artificial, that lies on or near the earth’s surface. Naturally occurring rocks, minerals, vegetation, animal matter

Manufactured objects

1. prevalence at a crime scene

2. transferability between the scene and the criminal

a. gross appearance color (dried), texture

b. plant and animal materials

c. artificial debris d. minerals and rocks

present

naturally occurring crystal, approx. 2200 but only 40 are most common

Rocks are characterized by mineral content and grain size

Used to compare soil specimens This test is useful when used in

combination of other tests 1. Fill a tube with liquids of different

densities• Layer on bottom is most dense, each

subsequent layer is of decreasing density

2. Add soil samples3. Particles of same density will be

suspended in the match point density

1. Standard/reference soils collected at various intervals within 100 yd radius

2. Samples collected at the alibi locations

3. Need 1-2 T of soil for a sample 4. Specimens packaged in individual

containers 5. Objects with soil are collected 6. Samples of soil are collected under

car fenders and frame • need to keep in lump form