Why do forensic scientists use soil analysis?
Forensic scientists analyze soil to provide useful information about a crime in a variety of ways, ranging from identification of soil types and origins to the detection of minute particles preserved in soil samples.Trace EvidenceSoil samples are a type of trace evidence. Even in indoor crime scenes, soil from the suspect and victim’s shoes or clothing can be recovered and used.Soil ComplexitySoil is a very complex substance, with different soils ranging dramatically in particle size, presence of chemicals and microorganisms and other factors. This diversity makes it very unlikely for two different areas to have identical soil samples.OriginSoil can be analyzed to discover its origin. For example, the discovery of a particular type of soil in a suspect’s footprints can reveal that he used a particular route to approach a crime scene, which can indicate whether or not he knew the area or the victim.Other TracesAlso, other trace materials, such as blood, hair or fibers may be preserved i
