Rocks and Rifles

Scott Hippensteel's scientific research interests are primarily focused on using microfossils to solve environmental and geoarchaeological problems. Many of his research publications are related to paleotempestology, the study of ancient hurricanes, and factors that influence the records of sea-level rise over the last 10,000 years. More recently he has been applying micropaleontology to archaeological studies, including reconstructing Civil War landscapes and identifying the ways that battlefields have changed over time. These reconstructions are especially important in dynamic coastal settings. The most interesting research he's conducted in his career occurred after he joined the research team studying the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley. He is studying the sediments and microfossils from within the submarine hull to provide insights into the cause of sinking and exceptional taphonomic preservation of the crew.

Chapter1. Introduction.- Part I. Igneous Rocks.- Chapter2. Second Manassas.- Chapter3. Gettysburg.- Chapter4. Geomorphology and Civil War Combat Photography.- Part II. Metamorphic Rocks.- Chapter5. South Mountain.- Chapter6. Spotsylvania Court House.- Chapter7. Kennesaw Mountain.- Part III. Sedimentary Rocks.- Chapter8. Antietam.- Chapter9. Fredericksburg.- Chapter10. Stones River.- Chapter11. Petersburg.- Chapter12. Morris Island.- Chapter13. Conclusion.

"Scott Hippensteel's Rocks and Rifles succeeds admirably in bringing a renewed appreciation of geology to Civil War military history. It is certainly true that intimate knowledge of the ground is an essential prerequisite for comprehensive mastery of any given battle history, and Hippensteel's study offers readers and experts alike a series of fresh and informed glimpses of yet another layer of understanding."(Andrew Wagenhoffer, Civil War Books and Authors)