Geoforensic science

Geoforensic science

Our research within the field of geoforensic science aims to identify and develop the application of environmental materials to forensic investigations. 

Soil/sediments are highly complex and have physical, biological and chemical attributes that can be indicators of specific locations. Our research addresses a range of different geoforensic materials and we are developing approaches that can be used to compare soil/sediment samples from known locations and relevant forensic exhibits such as vehicles and footwear. 

Current research

• Physical approaches such as mineralogy and quartz grain surface texture analysis.
• Elemental chemical approaches. 
• Biological approaches that address the organic profiles of samples using HPLC.
• Developing the use of diatoms and pollen as environmental indicators.

Research projects

• Developing suites of independent analytical approaches for forensic quartz grain surface texture analysis.
• Organic signatures for soil/sediment differentiation.
• Inorganic approaches for the analysis of soils/sediments and discerning mixed provenance samples.
• Forensic limnology: assessing the value of diatoms for forensic investigations.
• The role of geoforensic analysis for establishing the journey histories of illicit materials and IEDs.

Researchers