Geoscientists at Crime Scenes

Preface.- Chapter 1 - Introduction to forensic geoscience.- 1.1 The Applications of forensic geoscience.- 1.2 Crime Scene Investigations.- 1.3 The geo-scientific approach to crime scene.- Chapter 2 - Geological materials on the crime scene.- 2.1 Minerals.- 2.2 Rocks.- 2.3 Sands.- 2.4 Dusts.- 2.5 Soils.- 2.6 Gems.- 2.7 Precious metals.- 2.8 Fossils.- Chapter 3 - Pedology applied to forensics.- 3.1 Characteristics of forensic soils.- 3.2 Interdisciplinary in studies and forensic soil science analysis.- 3.3 The site survey in forensic soil science applications.- 3.4 The collection of evidence and preservation of traces of soil samples.- 3.5 The effects of wrong methods and operations during site surveys and evidence collection.- 3.6 Issues related to traces of soil.- Chapter 4 - Forensic Analysis of Soils and Geological Materials.- 4.1 Forensic laboratory analytical procedures for soils.- 4.2 Color analysis.- 4.3 The particle size analysis.- 4.4 Density analysis.- 4.5 Stereoscopic microscope analysis.- 4.6 Analysis by means of the polarizing microscope.- 4.7 X-ray diffraction analysis.- 4.8 SEM-EDX spectroscopy.- 4.9 Raman Spectroscopy.- 4.10 FT-IR spectroscopy.- 4.11 Thermal analysis.- Chapter 5 - Remote sensing applications in forensic investigations.- 5.1 Photointerpretation.- 5.3 Forensic photo-interpretation.- Appendix - A brief history of aerial photography in Italy.- Chapter 6 - Forensic Geomorphology.- 6.1. Overview.- 6.2. Principles and concepts of geomorphology.- 6.4. Determining the activity state of landforms.- 6.5. The detection of surface deposits.- Chapter 7 - Environmental Forensics.- 7.1 Inspections and historical research.- 7.2 Aerial photos and satellite footage.- 7.3 GPS surveys and DTM.- 7.4 Operating modes of sample collection.- 7.5 Packaging and transport.- 7.6 Worksite operating issues.- 7.7. Forensic environmental expert's activities.- Chapter 8 - Forensic Geophysics.- 8.1 Forensic geophysics.- 8.2Pros and Cons of forensic geophysics.- 8.3

"In this work, the science of forensics is brought to life with representative case histories, which are very well elucidated. Overall, this is an outstanding book in a nascent profession that, thus far, offers minimal writing, making this book an essential reference. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates and above; faculty and professionals." (T. L. T. Grose, Choice, Vol. 55 (6), February, 2018)