Discover: Soil Evidence

Soil is another example of trace evidence that might be left behind.  Dirt or soil that may have fallen from a person's shoe, clothing, or vehicle can help forensic scientists determine where the person has been. Scientists look at the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and compare it to possible sites where it may have come from.

Physical characteristics:

    • What does the soil look like?
    • What colour is it?
    • Are there shiny particles, dull particles?
    • What is in it?  Sand?  Gravel?  Rocks?  Clay?

Chemical characteristics:

    • What chemicals are in the soil?


  Notebook: How can soil evidence be traced to its source?

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  Check Your Answers

Soil Sample

What colour(s) is it?

Describe the soil particle?

What is in the soil sample?

Multicoloured: red, beige, grey, black, white

Many sizes – ranging from very small to fairly large

Particles smooth but dull looking

Mainly rocks or pebbles

Black or brown with white particles

Black particles very small and similar in size; rough and dull looking

White particles larger, look rough and dull

Bits of plant matter and fertilizer (white bits)

Mostly beige with white or brown bits

Some smaller, rough, shiny particles; some larger, smooth pieces

Sand, rocks, and bits of shells