2,087 research outputs found
An introduction to forensic soil science and forensic geology: a synthesis
Get PDFUsing 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.Robert W. Fitzpatrick and Laurance J. Donnell
Addition of organic matter influences pH changes in reduced and oxidised acid sulfate soils
No full textAbstract not availableN. Jayalath, L.M. Mosley, R.W. Fitzpatrick, P. Marschne
Regional distribution trends and properties of acid sulfate soils during severe drought in wetlands along the lower River Murray, South Australia: supporting hazard assessment
No full textAbstract not availableG.J. Grealish, R.W. Fitzpatrick, P. Shan
Mobilization of acidity and metals during refilling of a dried wetland: A comparison of laboratory and field data
No full textAlso published as: Geological Survey of Finland, 2012; Guide 56:110-112Shand, P., Grocke, S., Fitzpatrick R.W., Merry, R.H., Thomas, M. & Creeper N.http://projects.gtk.fi/7iassc/conference/programme/presentation.htm
Sulfur reduction and oxidation processes, from wetland scale to micro scale, in an inland acid sulfate soil of the lower Murray-Darling River floodplains, Australia
No full textAlso published as: Geological Survey of Finland, 2012; Guide 56:110-112Wallace, L., McPhail, D.C., Fitzpatrick, R.W., Welch, S., Kirste, D., Beavis, S. & Lamontagne, S.http://projects.gtk.fi/7iassc/conference/programme/presentation.htm
Acid sulfate soil evolution models and pedogenic pathways during drought and reflooding cycles in irrigated areas and adjacent natural wetlands
No full textAbstract not availableR.W. Fitzpatrick, P. Shand, L.M. Mosle
Schwertmannite formation and properties in acidic drain environments following exposure and oxidation of acid sulfate soils in irrigation areas during extreme drought
No full textAbstract not availableR.W. Fitzpatrick, L.M. Mosley, M.D. Raven, P. Shan
Interpretation of morphological features in a salt-affected duplex soil toposequence with an altered soil water regime in western Victoria
No full textThis paper is the first of two describing how soil macromorphological and chemical data can be combined with a minimum of hydrological data to distinguish between, and to quantify, past and present hydrological processes. These processes are relevant to both waterlogging and dryland salinity. The purpose of this first paper is to establish a methodological framework. It also describes the initial interpretation of the macromorphological features of the toposequence studied at Gatum on the Dundas Tablelands in western Victoria. A modified version of the soil feature¿system¿domain grouping method was used. Macromorphological data combined with only limited piezometric data showed that: (1) The soil feature¿system¿domain grouping method makes it possible to distinguish between the effects of past and present hydrological processes on soil macromorphology at Gatum. (2) Waterlogging of the surface horizons at Gatum is often caused by perching of soil water within the B-horizon (as opposed to on top of the B-horizon). Changes in soil structure and in colour of cutans and mottles can be an indicator of this first restricting layer. (3) It is likely that interpedal cracks and old tree root holes act as preferred paths for water to flow through this first restricting layer. (4) A second fresh perched water table can occur on top of the pallid zone. Where the pallid zone reaches close to the surface the two perched water tables may merge and cause a local increase in waterlogging, as indicated by local soil morphology. When this occurs, hillside seeps can occur quite high up on the slopes, even when there is no apparent irregularity in surface topography. 5) The permanent saline water table occurs on top of the bedrock and causes salting problems where it comes too close to the soil surface. Salting problems at the bottom of a slope are more severe where fresh perched water tables increase waterlogging On the basis of these findings the suitability of various management options to reduce waterlogging and salinisation is discussed. Further findings regarding restricting layers, flow paths through the soils, and relations between duration of saturation and soil morphological features, are discussed in a companion paper (by J. Brouwer and R. W. Fitzpatrick, pp. 927-946 in this issue)
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