Abstract: Following the unanimous approval of the Executive Committee on the International Union of Geological Sciences as notified on April 8, 2016, the Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the base of the Albian Stage of the Cretaceous is defined at the first occurrence datum of the planktonic foraminiferan Microhedbergella renilaevis Huber and Leckie, 2011 at a level 37.4 meters above the base of the Marnes Bleues Formation and 40 cm above the base of the Niveau Kilian marker bed in the section SSE of the Col de Pre-Guittard, Arnayon, Drome, France. The first occurrence of Microhedbergella renilaevis is placed within a 100-m section of argillaceous sediments with 28 secondary markers including calcareous nannofossils, planktonic foraminifera, an inoceramid bivalve, ammonites, stable carbon isotopes, and local marker beds.

Abstract: 1 Helford Geoscience LLP, Trelowarren Mill Barn, Mawgan, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6AE, UK; *Corresponding author, E-mail: dpirrie@helfordgeoscience.co.uk 2 School of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences, University of South Wales, Glyntaf, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff, CF37 4AT, UK; International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology (IUGS-IFG) Special Publications Adviser 3 The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, Scotland, UK; Treasurer, International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology (IUGS-IFG) 4 AWE Plc, Aldermaston, Reading, RG7 4PR, UK

Abstract: 1 Department of Earth Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario L2S 3A1, Canada. Corresponding author, E-mail: mjhead@brocku.ca 2 Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway NJ 08854, USA. E-mail: aubry@rci.rutgers.edu; kgm@rci.rutgers.edu 3 School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology, Trinity Saint David, University of Wales, Lampeter, Wales, SA48 7ED, UK. E-mail: m. walker@uwtsd.ac.uk 4 Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, SY23 3DB, UK 5 Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon SK7N 5E2, Canada. E-mail: brian.pratt@usask.ca

Abstract: We review examples of placement of select Cenozoic Global Boundary Stratotype Sections and Points (GSSP = “golden spikes”) from a geochemical and magnetostratigraphic perspective. Though biostratigraphy is the sine qua non for placing modern chronologic tools (high-resolution radiometric dates, magnetochronology, and astrochronology) into proper stratigraphic context, its use as the primary correlation tool for GSSP is less desirable than using magnetostratigraphic or chemostratigraphic markers. Here, we advocate for defining of GSSPs at lithologic levels that are globally correlatable using magnetic reversals and/or abrupt geochemical changes, and the avoidance of biostratigraphic datum levels (that are necessarily biogeographically restricted) as primary criterion for correlation. We provide two examples where placement of golden spikes in association with global geochemical events has been successful: the Cretaceous/Paleogene (K/ Pg) and Paleocene/Eocene boundaries. We discuss three boundaries where placement of the GSSP is unfortunately not at distinct isotopic or magnetostratigraphic events (the Eocene/Oligocene, Oligocene/Miocene, and Pliocene/ Pleistocene (= Neogene/Quaternary) boundaries. Lectostratotypes for isotopic reference are proposed for the Eocene/Oligocene boundary at South Atlantic Site 522 and for the Oligocene/Miocene boundary at Southern Ocean Site 1090.

Abstract: The Lower Globigerina Limestone of the Maltese Islands is here being proposed for nomination as a “Global Heritage Stone Resource”. This stone, continuously used for building and sculpture for 6000 years, is well suited to fit this global designation as it is not only of great local cultural, historic and economic importance, but it is also the building stone used in construction of the UNESCO, and hence internationally recognized, World Heritage city of Valletta, as well as the UNESCO-listed Prehistoric Megalithic Temples of the Maltese Islands. The stone was also exported to several European and North African countries especially in the early 20 century. The entire range of archaeological remains and historic architecture which cover the Maltese Islands have been built in this stone, and encompass innumerable palaces and churches, including the fortified cities of Valletta, Mdina (the old capital of Malta), the Three Cities on the Grand Harbour and the Citadel of Gozo, as well as the vernacular architecture ubiquitous within the village cores all over the Islands. The soft limestone has also been widely used over the millennia for elaborate and extensive sculptural motifs. Practically the only natural resource of the Islands, it continues to be quarried today, and is used not only for new construction, but also for the regular restoration of Malta’s great and imposing architectural heritage, remaining thus an important pillar of the Maltese economy.

Abstract: 1 Arup, 6 Floor, 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN, UK; Chair, International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology (IUGS-IFG); *Corresponding author, E-mail: Laurance.Donnelly@arup.com; geologist@hotmail.co.uk 2 Australian Federal Police; Geoforensic Law Enforcement Adviser, International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology (IUGS-IFG) 3 University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia

Abstract: Soils are composed of natural inorganic and organic (both natural plant and animal and also man-made) components. The organic soil profile is complex, and there is a range of analytical methods available; however, the organic characteristics strongly complement that of the soil inorganic profile characteristics to provide a complete soil analytical profile, allowing detailed comparison and evaluation of soil recovered from questioned items with soil at a crime scene and to also provide clues in crime reconstruction and in search operations. Organic profiles can provide information about a range of soil forming features such as the vegetation present, land use past and present, altitude, etc., as well as providing information about nearness to industry and roads, tracks and rail networks and infrastructure. Biomarkers which remain in soil as a result of body decomposition can also be analysed and used in search and to help locate human remains.

Abstract: 1 Department of Geological Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; *Corresponding author, E-mail: raman@mtu.edu 2 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA 3 Department of Geology and Geography, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, USA 4 Department of Geology, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN 55105, USA 5 Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA

Abstract: Through five diverse cases involving an attempt of murder, cold murder in 1988, two contemporary murder investigations in the past 10 years and sexual assault, this paper will demonstrate how combined pedological, mineralogical and chemical investigations, have been critical in developing reliable soil information, from landscape to microscopic scales, to help in forensic investigations, which were used as evidence in Australian State Supreme courts. A wide range of natural soil types (sandy coastal beaches, grey clayey wetlands, black muddy alluvium in river-beds, brown clayey and loamy soils in wooded areas) and humanmade soil types (comprising brick and road gravel fragments) across Australia were used in these forensic investigations to associate materials taken from questioned items, such as shoes, clothing, shovels or vehicles, with a specific control location or the crime scene. To illustrate the power of soil analysis in criminal investigations it is beneficial to share successful case examples to demonstrate the potential value of this somewhat under-utilized forensic tool. Here we will discuss how pedological and soil mineralogy expertise, especially in using soil maps and X-ray diffraction (XRD), has been used as a contributory part of each overall historical (cold) and recent criminal investigation.

Abstract: In June 2016 the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary subcommissions (ISPS, SNS, SQS) of the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) voted on whether to formalize sub-series and their geochronologic equiva-lents, sub-epochs. The vote required a 60 percent major-ity for the proposal to be forwarded to the ICS for further consideration. That majority was not achieved, albeit by a narrow margin, hence sub-series and sub-epochs are currently to be regarded as informal, and if used should carry a lower case modifier, as in lower Miocene and early Pleistocene. To accompany the vote, those who favoured continuation of informal usage were asked to prepare a short summary of the main arguments in support of their viewpoint, as were the proponents of the formalization case. Although this statement was not originally intended for publication, it is reproduced here at the request of the Former Chair of the ICS, so as to put it on record.

Abstract: Soil and geologic evidence has been examined in the FBI Laboratory since 1939, and long admitted into trials, both in the US and abroad. However, to the best our knowledge soil evidence did not undergo a formal admissibility challenge within the US court systems until 29 January 2016. Forensic soil analysis is typically a comparison between two or more samples to see whether they originated from different sources. When soil samples are indistinguishable, the possibility that they originated from a single source cannot be eliminated. The challenge in State of Kansas v. Kyle Flack, 13CR104 (2016), involved the admissibility of soil comparisons at the trial, as well as the qualifications of the forensic geologist who conducted the examinations. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the FBI. Names of commercial manufacturers are provided for identification purposes only, and inclusion does not imply endorsement of the manufacturer or its products or services by the FBI.

Abstract: Electromyography is one of the method used in medicine for the analysis and recording of skeletal muscle movements in the body. EMG recordings will define the state of the muscle to determine whether the muscle is fatigued. EMG signals are historically troublesome signals to quantify and innovative approaches to analysis are needed for clinical quantification. In this paper, the objective is to analyze the raw EMG signal obtained from the online databank by calculating the median frequencies and investigating frequency domain behavior of myogram signals. To determine these parameters, fast fourier transform and power spectral density are vital factors obtaining at the result. The experimental result indicates that the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders can be implemented by using matlab.

Abstract: Gemstones – including emeralds, rubies and sapphires and many other mineral varieties – have fascinated humans for millennia. Many of the regions producing gemstones are experiencing unsustainable social, economic and environmental pressures at present. In regions such as the Mogok Stone Tract in Burma (Myanmar), strong traditions have evolved around the mining and processing of the different gemstones. It is proposed that specific criteria and a heritage designation scheme be developed for such regions that have been outstanding producers of gemstones, in some cases for many centuries. Ultimately, the aim would be to preserve the traditions of these provinces and increase cultural, scientific and touristic interest in their gemstone resources as a way of contributing to sustainable development in these regions.

Abstract: This themed issue of ‘Episodes’ is dedicated entirely to forensic geology. This provides an overview of how geologists assist the police and law enforcement to help investigate crimes. The documented application of geology to police and law enforcement dates back to the middle part of the 19 Century, and possibly to Roman times. Until the establishment of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG), in 2011, there was no international organization aimed at developing forensic geology on a global scale. Previously, forensic geologists worked in relative isolation from other fellow geologists. There were few incentives or opportunities for the advancement of forensic geology. IUGS-IFG has provided opportunities, incentives and the drive for the global development of forensic geology, as exemplified in this issue of Episodes.

Abstract: Formalization of subseries/subepochs for the Paleocene to Holo-cene has been a long unsettled question within the International Com-mission on Stratigraphy (ICS). Consideration of this matter by an ad-hoc committee over the past year reached a vote that revealed that the community remains divided on the question. The purpose of this arti-cle is to summarize the discussions leading up to the vote, the results of the vote, and the implications of the vote. The publishing commu-nity desires that the question of formalization be settled; so too does the community of Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary stratigraphers.Editors regularly ask the ICS about the formalization of subseries/subepochs and, specifically, if the first letter of the unit name should be capitalized (e.g., lower Eocene vs. Lower Eocene). Some editors and authors insist that the units are informal and thus the first letter is not capitalized; other editors and authors use subseries/subepochs as formal units and capitalize the first letter. This inconsistent use has long plagued authors and editors, and it results from ICS not specifi-cally addressing this issue. The result of the vote will inform future discussion of the issue by the ICS.

Abstract: 1 Department of Geosciences, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Chair of ICS Subcommission on Ediacaran Stratigraphy; *Corresponding author, E-mail: xiao@vt.edu 2 School of Earth, Atmosphere & Environment, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia 3 Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada 4 Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada 5 Earth & Environmental Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37235-1905, USA 6 Department of Geology and Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742-4211, USA

Abstract: Ecandrewsite mineral occurs within albitite vein intruded within the Udaipurwati granite gneiss from South Khetri Belt (SKB), Rajasthan, India. Microprobe analysis of the ecandrewsite gave compositional range from (Zn 0.47 Fe 0.34 Mn 0.14 ) Ti 1.01 O 3 to (Zn 0.02 Fe 0.78 Mn 0.15 ) Ti 1.01 O 3 and is classified as ferroan manganoan ecandrewsite to zincian manganoan ilmenite. EPMA study reveals that the host rock consists of albite as major mineral constituent with some K-feld-spar and chlorite as minor mineral constituents. The accessory minerals are sphene and ilmenite. On the basis of whole rock data, the albitite is classified as granite to syenite. The compositional variability within individual grains of ecandrewsite and other zinc bearing ilmenite suggests a replacement origin of the earlier formed magmatic mineral ilmenite. Core to rim enrichment of Zn content within ecandrewsite suggest that migration of Zn along the grain boundaries of ilmenite occurred through mantle derived alkaline fluids from outside the system along the deep seated fracture zones and micro-shears; thus, precipitating many other metals (Cu, Au, U, REE) along with Zn. This association of ecandrewsite

Abstract: 1 University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Officer for Africa, International Union of Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology (IUGS-IFG); *Corresponding author, E-mail: roger.dixon@up.ac.za 2 Independent Consultant: Mineralogy, Roodepoort; Adj. Prof. JKMRC, UQ; Affiliated Assoc. Prof. Geology Dept, UFS; Adj. Prof, Chem Eng. Dept., UCT, South Africa, E-mail: robertschouwstra5@gmail.com