Geology is often perceived as irrelevant and unengaging by students, posing a challenge for educators. This study examines the impact of a gamified forensic geology lab on pre-service teachers’ interest, motivation, self-efficacy, and emotional engagement (i.e., the behavioral impact of emotional responses) with geology. The intervention, conducted at a university in Spain, involved 163 undergraduate pre-service teachers who completed pre- and post-test questionnaires assessing their attitudes and perceptions. Results revealed a significant increase in interest and appreciation for geology’s relevance in daily life, alongside positive emotional responses such as curiosity and joy. Participants also demonstrated greater confidence in engaging with geology-related content and teaching practices, suggesting improved self-efficacy. However, participants reported challenges such as difficulty identifying minerals and feeling time-constrained, indicating a need for clearer instructions and better time management. This study highlights the potential of gamified learning to transform geology education by promoting engagement and reframing negative attitudes. It highlights the importance of innovative pedagogical strategies in teacher training and suggests further research on the long-term effects of gamification in science education.

Soil and dust are commonly submitted to forensic laboratories as geologic evidence to either link an individual to a crime or to determine sample provenance. However, only the inorganic components within these materials are routinely analyzed despite evidentiary value of the biological components. Environmental DNA (eDNA) from bulk sources, such as soil and dust, can be characterized through DNA metabarcoding, where short regions of the genome are amplified and sequenced using next generation sequencing. Research on the forensic analysis of eDNA has largely been on bacterial and fungal DNA recovered from soil. In this feasibility study, we sought to determine whether DNA from bacteria, fungi, plants, and arthropods individually or in combination were stable to permit sample-to-sample comparisons between study sites regardless of spatial and temporal variables, as well as mock evidence variability. Mock soil and dust evidence was collected from two sites in Raleigh, NC (USA) over a one-year period. Using DNA metabarcoding we found that a) bacteria, fungi, and plants alone or in combination could differentiate between soil and dust mock evidence and between mock evidence from the two study sites, as the taxonomic communities were significantly different, and b) DNA recovered from plants were consistent between dust mock evidence items over the one year period. In general, total genomic DNA concentrations from soil were significantly higher compared to dust, and soil taxa were more taxonomically diverse compared to dust taxa. We also identified biases in amplification of plants, supporting the need of multiple primer pairs in DNA metabarcoding analyses to capture the full taxonomic diversity within samples. The results from this study highlight the promise of utilizing eDNA from forensic geologic materials to supplement forensic geology examinations.

Gold provenance determination is a key forensic challenge in combating illegal mining and associated crimes. This study aims to assess the traceability of gold extracted from illegal mining activities in Brazil by applying a multi-analytical geochemical approach. We employed X-ray fluorescence, electron microprobe analysis, scanning electron microscopy and grain-scale compositional mapping to analyse gold samples sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining within the Yanomami Indigenous Territory. To evaluate the impact of post-extraction processes on geochemical signatures, gold samples underwent partial melting and were subsequently reanalysed focusing on their potential for traceability. The results obtained from the melted samples were compared with gold sponges and ingots of unknown origin, seized during Brazilian Federal Police operations in airports far from our target area, to determine whether their geochemical fingerprints could be matched to known deposits. The findings indicate that different genetic types of gold can be distinguished based on specific elemental distribution patterns. The geochemical signatures of key minor and trace elements, such as Ag, Hg, Bi, Mo and Co, remained detectable, allowing for the traceability of samples throughout the production process. Bismuth, in particular, demonstrated mineralogical resilience, maintaining the consistent Au/Bi ratio even after amalgamation and melting, reinforcing its potential as a geochemical marker for provenance determination. Furthermore, we revealed that the gold sponge samples likely originated from the northeastern domain of the Yanomami Territory, with the Mutum deposit being the most probable source. These findings highlight the effectiveness of accessible analytical techniques in establishing the traceability of illegally mined gold, as a tool for strengthening regulatory enforcement in the gold supply chain.

The occurrences of various illegal activities on beaches require effective geological and environmental investigation methods. Among these methods, the room‐temperature magnetic analysis of soils and sediments represents a nondestructive investigation method for various amounts, types, and grain sizes of magnetic minerals. Here, to verify the usefulness of magnetic analysis in forensic geology research, beach sediment samples from nine sites in the Shimokita Peninsula, Japan, were measured using magnetic analysis to determine the correlations between their concentration‐dependent magnetic parameters and actual regional characteristics. The results revealed that the values of various parameters, namely the low‐field magnetic susceptibility, anhysteretic remanent magnetization, and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), were relatively higher at sites near Ti and Fe sedimentary ore deposits. Further, thermomagnetometry results revealed that magnetite was the main magnetic carrier of the sediments. Moreover, pyrrhotite was detected around Ti–Fe mine sites. Furthermore, the results of the investigated parameters reflected the regional characteristics of the amount of magnetic minerals in the beach sediments. Low‐temperature IRM curves and the magnetic grain size parameter also displayed sample‐site‐reflective characteristics. Thus, we believe that magnetic analysis represents an effective method for estimating the provenance of beach sediments in forensic geology research.

Soil is useful in criminal investigations as it is highly variable and readily transferred. Forensic geologists use several different techniques to removal soil from evidence prior to the analysis of inorganic components. There has been recent interest from the forensic science community to analyze environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) associated with soil to augment existing forensic analyses. Notably however, limited research has been conducted to compare commonly used soil removal methods for downstream eDNA analysis. In this study, three soil removal methods were assessed: picking/scraping, sonication, and swabbing. Three mock evidence types (t-shirts, boot soles, and trowels) were sampled in triplicate with each removal method (n = 27). Soil samples underwent DNA isolation, quantification, and amplification of four genomic barcode regions: 16S for bacteria, ITS1 for fungi, ITS2 for plants, and COI for arthropods. Amplicons were prepared into libraries for DNA sequencing on an Illumina® MiniSeq. DNA concentrations were highest in picked/scraped samples and were statistically significant compared with swabbed and sonicated samples. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were identified, and removal methods had no impact on the recovery of the total number of target ASVs. Additionally, when assessing each sample in multidimensional space, picked/scraped samples tended to cluster separately from swabbed and sonicated samples. The soil core used a reference in this study also clustered with the picked/scraped samples, indicating that these samples may be more reflective of the communities collected from soil cores. Based on these data, we identified that picking/scraping is an acceptable soil removal method for eDNA analysis.

One of the most famous criminal investigations involved the use of forensic geology to assist law enforcement agencies in the homicide case of the Italian honorable Aldo Moro. Notwithstanding this important tribute to forensic geology, in Italy, the role and value of using geological and soil materials (known as earth materials) to support law enforcement agencies in solving criminal investigations remain uncommon. This absence may be due to few educational courses for geology undergraduates/graduates devoted to laboratory and field training in forensic geology. The flipped classroom model may encourage a modern educational approach for teaching and learning forensic geology. The designed flipped classroom model applies theoretical concepts for forensic geology, which is learned by the attendees at home, whereas the class activities are devoted to laboratory and field experiences assisted by teaching staff. The laboratory activities involve techniques for collecting geological trace evidence and comparing color/sedimentological/mineralogical/microfossil features, whereas the field experiences consist of sampling strategies, search activities for burials, and field surveying. This approach has been trialed by the Messina University since 2014 and represents a successful tool for multitasking teaching and learning aimed to further develop forensic geology, encourage the inclusion of forensic geologists within the police enforcement in Italy, and improve the knowledge of law experts such as prosecutors and defense lawyers.

A well-known landslide dam that collapsed and generated a large outburst flood is used to show the importance of forensic geology analysis, which is the on-site multidisciplinary study of geohazards carries out as soon as possible after their occurrence; this study is focused on understanding the complete spectrum of all mechanisms that caused the disaster. Diagnostic elements of all natural processes fade with time, allowing for progressively divergent interpretations that may impact the appropriateness of potential mitigation actions, as we demonstrate. The multidisciplinary field control of the abrupt rupture of a natural dam on the Santa Cruz River on 12 November 2005, that released c. 37 million m3 of water and sediment, can radically change the interpretation of how this dam collapsed. In situ sedimentological, geomorphological and topographical analyses of the remains of the collapsed natural dam suggest it was built in two mass-wasting episodes instead of one, as previously interpreted, involving different slide materials. The first episode matches previous interpretations; a landslide that evolved into a rock avalanche, generating an initial dam of high stability due to its density, and observed angles of repose. This dam was not removed completely during the rupture, but rather suffered minor erosion at its top by the flood drag effect. The second episode is interpreted as a snow-dominated mixed avalanche, reaching much greater heights on the opposite side of the valley. This avalanche is estimated to be 85% snow, 8% debris and 7% ice-cemented permafrost fragments, and is evidenced by a thin residual deposit draping the valley sides, as most of this deposit melted out before any field control was undertaken. The growth of the lake level, along with the dam weight loss due to ablation, generated the hydrostatic instability that caused the floating of the central sector of this second dam and the violent evacuation of the water, similar to a jökulhlaup. This analysis explains the partial dam collapse, sudden water release and the preserved field evidence. This different interpretation suggests that the mitigation actions already taken can be improved and that monitoring systems are urgently needed. A rapid and professional assessment of any large-scale geohazard site would be the way to avoid interpretation discrepancies, and to guarantee that mitigation actions taken are adequate. Learning from this event may help decision makers to take better mitigation measures and potentially save lives.

The forensic utility of reworked geological materials in soil

Abstract This paper outlines the construction of a White Paper on Geoethics in Forensic Geology. It focuses on forensic geology, although it also relates to the wider sphere of the forensic geosciences. Forensic geology is rapidly evolving to provide assistance in police investigations and in criminal and civil courts with providing scientific advice and evidence, but there also should be associated clear guidelines to benefit both the practitioner and the justice system. Examples of where forensic geology delivers to society in a vital way are required and also where potential malpractice could happen. The paper discusses where forensic geology should pursue social justice in compliance with current legal systems. In order to achieve this goal, it outlines the main areas that we suggest should be developed within the discipline: the competence of the scientist in forensic geology; the creation of best practice guidelines; the establishing of clear duties of the expert in forensic geology; and consideration of ethical aspects in forensic geological activities and ethical aspects in communicating geoscience evidence. When developing geoethics within forensic geology, the following practices were identified as of prime importance: improved standardization of methods; the use of appropriate methods and/or combination of complementary methods; greater clarity of approach used for the location of areas of interest; collection and recovery of evidence; scene examination and sample collection evaluation of data; construction and appropriate use of databases, background information, documentation, cartography and communication of forensic data; and summary of evidence and acknowledgement and consideration of uncertainty and bias. Honesty, integrity, respect, transparency, competence and reliability are vital for the forensic geoscientist to adhere to. Raising the ethical profile of the forensic geoscience profession aims to pave the way for forensic geoscientists to be empowered now and into the future to serve society: acting responsibly and adopting effective ethical codes is vitally important for a safe society. This paper highlights the necessity to hold urgent discussions on the ethical and social implications of forensic geology and their potential repercussions on societal justice. Forensic geology is a very useful tool, but like any other tool in human hands, it presupposes responsibility in its application. Professionalism and honesty in forensic geology are fundamental to assure the public that geoscientists involved have the highest scientific respectability, social credibility and community respect for their role to help pursue judicial truth. The aim of this draft White Paper is to stimulate an open and informed debate on geoethics.

Abstract Using forensic soil science and forensic geology as trace evidence and searches for burials is the theme of the papers in this Special Publication. The concept and design of this volume was initially established by the International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology, which successfully brought together forensic geologists, forensic soil scientists, police officers and law enforcement agents in the investigation of crimes. In this introductory paper a brief overview is provided of the developments in interdisciplinary knowledge exchange with use of soil and geological materials (known as ‘earth materials’) in the search for burials and the provision of trace evidence. The aim is to provide background information on the role and value of understanding ‘earth materials’ ranging from the landscape scale, to the crime scene through to microscopic scale investigations to support law enforcement agencies in solving criminal, environmental, serious and organized crime, and terrorism. In this connection, recent advances in field and laboratory methods are highlighted. Finally, the 20 papers in the volume are briefly introduced and these include a diversity of global operational case studies that involve collection and analysis of earth material from crime scenes and searches for homicide graves and other buried targets.

Research on soils, stone products and rocks is part of a scientific discipline known as forensic geology. Among the police forensic laboratories, this type of studies are performed only at the Chemistry Department of the Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police (CFLP) in Warsaw and comprise approximately 2% of all opinions issued annually. Despite a relatively low workload in recent years, the interest of law enforcement agencies in the use of this type of analyses in the criminal proceedings is on the rise. This article presents three exemplary opinions issued in recent years at the CFLP. The first opinion relates to murder, whereby concrete slabs were used to commit the criminal act. The second is related to an agricultural machinery fire, whereby evidence included soil samples recovered at the scene and from the suspect’s clothing. The last opinion concerns the falsification of semi-finished products used for amber jewelry craftsmanship.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to provide a forensic geology standard operating procedure (SOP) for the collection of soil, for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and leachate associated with decomposing human remains in a shallow, unmarked, homicide grave. This assumes that human remains undergo partial or complete decomposition after burial and that the VOCs and leachate plumes generated subsequently migrate from the grave. These are expected to be influenced by several factors, including for example the cause of death, time elapsed since burial, climate and weather, topography, geological characteristics of the soils and bedrock, hydrogeology and taphonomy. This SOP has been used in a number of high-profile police and law enforcement searches (see for example Donnelly et al. 2020. Analysis of soil following a police-led open area search and the recovery of a cold case homicide grave, Forensic Soil Science and Geology , 492 , https://doi.org/10.1144/SP492-2017-337 ). This approach remains experimental and further research and operational test work are recommended at known (recovered) homicide graves. This might become applicable as a future reconnaissance method applied to searches taking place over large areas to help reduce the preliminary search area where VOC and leachates are detectable.

This note provides basic knowledge on forensic geology and forensic science, which is an application of science that contributes to solving crimes. Forensic geology is part of forensic sciences, which applies knowledge of geology and its associated sciences to forensic investigation. The history of forensic geology exceeds 100 years in Europe, and it was introduced in Japan soon after World War II. Forensic geology comprises three categories: ground search for burial sites, crime scene investigation, and examination of geological trace evidence. The majority of geological trace evidence comes from soil samples. Discrimination between soil evidence adhered to items and control samples from the crime scene is performed using observations and subsequent analyses. Law enforcement processes often require smaller quantities and well-established, rapid, non-destructive analysis methods for forensic samples, which differ from traditional geologic investigations. With the recent introduction of the lay judge system in Japan, people may have increasing opportunities to see geological evidence presented in court. Unfortunately, there are few forensic geologists in Japan, and thus there are limited opportunities to learn forensic science. Increasing education opportunities at universities and high schools, and promoting forensic geology at academic meetings are essential to advances in forensic geology.

Magnetic measurements as a forensic geology tool: A review

法地質学に要求される技術やアプローチの仕方は国によって異なるものがあるが，21世紀に入ってからのこの分野での発展は目覚ましいものがある．本総説は今世紀における国際的な法地質学の発展について，証拠物としての土を中心にまとめたものである．すでに英文では書籍や学術誌にレビューがいくつも出されているが，日本の地質学関係者には馴染みのないものが多い．この総説は法地質学という学問分野の国際的な状況の紹介を目的として，すでに出版されている総説を参考としながら，新しい情報を追加したものである．国際的なネットワークと学術集会，最近の論文および書籍の出版状況，英国を中心とした教育および実践体制，世界各国の状況の概要ならびに注目される研究分野の現状を列挙し，いくつかの事例を紹介した．

本稿では，日本国内の法科学分野における地質学的試料の検査法の発展についてレビューした．日本の犯罪捜査において，土砂は人物や道具，場所等を関連付けるための証拠として重要視されており，主に異同識別が実施されている．1950年に，土砂の鑑定件数が増加したことを受けて，体系的な検査法の必要性が認識された．その際，重液法や粒度分布，顕微鏡検査，化学分析等が検討された．その後，土砂の有機物の分解，砂やシルト以下の画分への分画，脱鉄処理といった前処理法が用いられるようになった．1990年代には，X線回折や走査型電子顕微鏡およびエネルギー分散型X線分析装置などの機器分析を含む体系的な検査法が確立された．近年では，大学等において法地質学への関心が高まっている．今後は，警察等の研究機関および大学等におけるより活発な連携が期待される．

Abstract This paper presents the investigation of fraud and of the theft of metal acquired by a Brazilian company from a Chinese supplier. Zinc ingots were transported by ship from China to the city of Londrina, in Paraná State, Brazil. However, they were substituted at some point during their journey, and replaced with bags containing fine crushed rock. In this case of a classic ‘substitution’ it was possible to use geological methods to investigate the crushed rock. As such, the mineralogical, petrological and isotope analysis showed the replaced rock did not originate from a Brazilian provenance. Therefore, the substitution possibly occurred before the cargo's arrival in Brazil. An inadequate chain of custody of the cargo, during transportation from Asia to Brazil, including the onward journey from Paranaguá to Londrina, is likely to have provided the opportunity for the material exchange to take place. Collaboration between the Brazilian Federal Police and geological experts based in academia enabled the crime to be investigated and solved.

In forensic geology casework, sample size typically limits routine characterization of material using bulk approaches. To address this, DNA-based characterization of biological taxa has received attention, as the taxa present can be useful for sample-to-sample comparisons and source attribution. In our initial work, low biodiversity was captured when DNA barcodes were Sanger-sequenced from plant and insect fragments isolated from 10 forensic-type surface soils. Considering some forensic laboratories now have access to massively parallel sequencing platforms, we assessed whether biological taxa present in the same surface soils could be better characterized using DNA metabarcoding. To achieve this, plant and animal barcodes were amplified and sequenced on an Illumina® MiniSeq for three different DNA sample types (n = 50): individual fragments used in our initial study, and 250 and 100 mg of bulk soil (from the 10 sites used in the initial study). A total of 572 unique target barcode sequences passed quality filtering and were used in downstream statistical analyses: 54, 321, and 285 for individual fragments, 100 mg, and 250 mg bulk soil samples, respectively. Plant barcodes permitted some spatial separation of sample sites in non-metric multidimensional scaling plots; better separation was obtained for samples prepared from bulk soil. This study confirmed that bulk soil DNA metabarcoding is a better approach for characterizing biological taxa present in surface soils, which could supplement traditional geologic examinations.

Some aspects of the British Geological Survey’s contribution to the war effort at the Western Front, 1914–1918

Introduction: The Episodes themed issue on Forensic Geology and the IUGS Initiative on Forensic Geology