1. Characteristics of Soil Pg. 111-115

2.  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

3. 1. prevalence at a crime scene 2. transferability between the scene and the criminal

4. a. gross appearance  color (dried), texture b. plant and animal materials c. artificial debris d. minerals and rocks present

5.  naturally occurring crystal, approx. 2200 but only 40 are most common  Rocks are characterized by mineral content and grain size

6.  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 samples 3. Particles of same density will be suspended in the match point density

7. 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