Geological and Soil Evidence: Forensic Applications

ISBN-13: 9780849331466 / Angielski / Twarda / 2007 / 360 str.

Kenneth Pye

Opis

The forensic potential of geological and soil evidence has been recognized for more than a century, but recently these types of evidence are used much more widely as an investigative intelligence tool and as evidence in court. There is, however, still a poor understanding of the potential value and the limitations of geological and soil evidence among the forensic science and wider legal communities.
Geological and Soil Evidence: Forensic Applications provides an authoritative introduction to the nature and properties of geological and soil materials that may be used as trace evidence and the techniques used to analyze and evaluate them. It emphasizes the use of geoscience in forensic analyses, including geophysical, meteorological, and geomorphological data. This inclusive book covers material types and analytical strategies used in examining both the common components of geological evidence, such as rocks, dusts, minerals, spores, and microfossils, as well as anthropogenic particles like pottery and brick. It instructs on particle characterization based on physical, chemical, and mineralogical traits such as color, shape, density, and elemental and isotopic composition. It also explains sampling and handling procedures particular to criminalistics and introduces analysis, evaluation, and decision-making practices based on statistical significance and the weighing of different types of evidence. Discussions of basic principles are supported and enhanced with numerous case studies that tie methods of analysis to specific forensic applications. Examples are drawn from the author's own experience as well as the wider scientific literature.
Accessible enough for readers with limited scientific knowledge and informative enough for scientists interested in forensic applications, Geological and Soil Evidence: Forensic Applications is a comprehensive reference for the current knowledge of forensic geology and soil science.

Spis treści

Introduction: The Nature and Development of Forensic GeologyThe Nature of Forensic Geology and Forensic Soil Science Development of the Use of Geological and Soil Materials as Trace Evidence Other Types of Geoscience Data Useful in Forensic InvestigationsTypes of Geological and Soil Materials That May be Useful as Trace Evidence Overview of Material Types and Available Analytical Strategies RocksSedimentsSoils Dusts and Particulates Minerals Glasses and Other Amorphous Materials Fossils Anthropogenic Materials Bulk Properties of Geological and Soil MaterialsPhysical Characteristics Chemical Characteristics Mineralogical Characteristics Bulk Organic Matter Characteristics Properties of Individual Particles Introduction Particle Size Particle Shape Surface Texture Characterization of Particle Morphology Using Fourier Analysis, Fractal Analysis, and Fourier DescriptorsThree-Dimensional Particle Shape Analysis UsingX-Ray Tomography and Laser ProfilometryColor Luminescence Properties Composite Characterization of Particles and Objects Elemental CompositionIsotopic CompositionMineralogical Identification and Characterization of Noncrystalline MaterialsMicro-Fabric of Rocks and Soils Identification and Characterization of Organic Particles Sampling and Sample Handling The Nature of Samples and Their LimitationsGeneral Sampling GuidanceSampling Strategies for Control SamplesSize and Type of Sample Sampling Tools and Sample ContainersSample Labeling and Associated Information Sample Storage Questioned Soil Samples from Items Submitted for Forensic Examination Evaluation of the Significance of Geological and Soil Evidence General Procedures and PrinciplesExploratory Data Analysis "Classical" Hypothesis Testing Correlation and Regression Analysis Multivariate AnalysisCombined Approaches Assessment of Coincidence Probabilities and Likelihood Ratios Direct Data Comparison: Deciding If Two Samples are Indistinguishable, Similar, or DifferentUse of Multi-Technique Comparison Data to Determine Exclusion/Include Geological and Soil Databases and Database Interrogation Evaluation of the Overall Strength of Geological and Soil EvidenceThe FutureReferences Index

O autorze

Kenneth Pye