Lecture: The Forensic use of calcareous microfossils, with particular reference to the Soham murder case
Speaker:
Date and Time
19:00 -
Location
Virtual Talk via Zoom
Lecture Description
With major contributions from Dr. Liam Gallagher and Matthew Hampton, Network Stratigraphic Consulting Ltd.
Chalk is a very unusual rock. It’s dominantly biogenic, being formed from the microscopic remains of minute golden brown algae (coccoliths), other microfossils (foraminifera, ostracods, calcispheres) and fragmentary remains of macrofossils (bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, belemnites). Whenever and however it is used by man it retains a trace of this biogenic origin and, with careful research, we can use this trace like a fingerprint, tracking it back to its source.
Such provenance studies have curious applications in both the fine art world and in criminal investigations. Two examples are presented here in order to provide an insight into how chalk has been used in previous provenance studies and might be used in future applications.
Tudor (16th Century) portrait of ‘A man in a red suit’.
Inoceramid rich, foraminiferal chalk, Soham
Attending via Zoom
This lecture will take place online via Zoom.
Bath Geological Society Members: Free of charge. Joining instructions and the Zoom link are sent to members by email prior to the lecture.
Visitors & Non-Members: (including members of the Geologists' Association and affiliated societies) Please book via Eventbrite to receive Zoom access (see the Entry Fee details above).
How to join: Click the Zoom link provided in your email or Eventbrite confirmation. You can join using the Zoom desktop or mobile app, or directly via your web browser without installing any software. The virtual waiting room opens approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, and attendees will be admitted before the talk commences.
For any queries about joining online, please contact [email protected].