An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience (eBook)

Elisa Bergslien is an Associate Professor at Buffalo State College. With a background in contaminant hydrogeology, she has been involved with the environmental law aspects of geology for years. In 2005, she begin teaching a Forensic Geoscience course as an elective for a well established Forensic Chemistry program and has been involved in research developing the science behind many of the assumptions used in forensic trace evidence examination. She is currently serving as the Information Officer for the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) Initiative on Forensic Geology.

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter 1. A Brief, Selective History of Forensic Science with an Emphasis on Geoscience

Chapter 2. Minerals: The Basic Building Blocks of Geology

Chapter 3. Rocks: The Story Books of the Earth

Chapter 4. Maps: Getting a Sense of Place

Chapter 5. Sand: To See the World in a Grain of Sand

Chapter 6. Gems and Gemstones: Those Most Precious of All Minerals

Chapter 7. Soils: Getting the Dirt on Crime

Chapter 8. The Geology of Art

Chapter 9. Fossils and Microfossils: Traces of Life

Chapter 10. Geology and People: Forensic Anthropology and Forensic Archaeology

Chapter 11. Environmental Forensics: Tracking Pollution to its Source

Index

"Overall, the book is well produced on acid-free, high-quality paper. In addition to the colour plates (also available online), there are many helpful line drawings and a host of Tables with useful information. I suggest that even professional geoscientists involved in forensic work might welcome this book as an aide-memoire. In addition, it is very good value at the price." (Soil Use and Management, 1 December 2012)

"The well-written book contains a wealth of information in the form of determinative tables and illustrations. Anyone interested in geology and forensics will find this a useful resource. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners." (Choice, 1 November 2012)

"Apart introducing the interested layman to the fascinating applications of geoforensics, An Introduction to Forensic Geoscience can also be used by teachers and undergraduate students of earth sciences as resourceful 'physical geology' textbook, even if the book addresses the U.S. market, as many cited laws or classification schemes are valid only in the States.
Students or professionals in forensic sciences will profit from an easily accessible text to geological concepts, which emphasize the strengths - but also the limitations - of geology applied to the prosecution of crimes." (David Bressan, Scientific American, 11 October 2012)