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.

A thorough knowledge of geology is essential in the design and construction of infrastructures for transport, buildings and mining operations; while an... understanding of geology is also crucial for those working in urban, territorial and environmental planning and in the prevention and mitigation of geohazards. Geological Engineering provides an interpretation of the geological setting, integrating geological conditions into engineering design and construction, and provides engineering solutions that take into account both ground conditions and environment. This textbook, extensively illustrated with working examples and a wealth of graphics, covers the subject area of geological engineering in four sections:- Fundamentals: soil mechanics, rock mechanics and hydrogeology;- Methods: site investigations, rock mass characterization and engineering geological mapping;- Applications: foundations, slope stability, tunnelling, dams and reservoirs and earth works;- Geohazards: landslides, other mass movements, earthquake hazards and prevention and mitigation of geological hazards. As well as being a textbook for graduate and postgraduate students and academics, Geological Engineering will also serve as a basic reference for practising engineering geologists and geological and geotechnical engineers, as well as civil and mining engineers dealing with design and construction of foundations, earth works and excavations for infrastructures, buildings and mining operations.

The understanding of Earth processes and environments over geological time is highly dependent upon both the experience that can only be gained through... doing fieldwork, and the collection of reliable data and appropriate samples in the field. This textbook explains the main data gathering techniques used by geologists in the field and the reasons for these, with emphasis throughout on how to make effective field observations and record these in suitable formats. Equal weight is given to assembling field observations from igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock types. There are also substantial chapters on producing a field notebook, collecting structural information, recording fossil data and constructing geological maps. The volume is in a robust and handy size, with colour coded chapters for ease of use and quick reference in the field.Geological Field Techniques is designed for students, amateur enthusiasts and professionals who have a background in geology and wish to collect field data on rocks and geological features. Teaching aspects of this textbook include:step-by-step guides to essential practical skills such as using a compass-clinometer, making a geological map and drawing a field sketch;tricks of the trade, checklists, flow charts and short worked examples;over 200 illustrations of a wide range of field notes, maps and geological features;appendices with the commonly used rock description and classification diagrams;a supporting website hosted by Wiley Blackwell.

From tidal waves and sandstorms to lava flows and glaciers, natural geological processes are often hazardous to human life. This book examines the... scientific principles behind these processes, explaining how and why they pose a frequent threat. Twelve chapters cover such topics as:. Earthquakes. Volcanic eruptions. Tsunami. Mass wasting. Streams and floods. Coastal hazards. Deserts, droughts, and wind. Glaciers and glaciation. Hazardous geologic materials, such as asbestos and radon gas. Natural geologic subsidence, such as sinkholes. Sudden catastrophic geologic events, such as asteroid impactsEach chapter includes an extensive list of additional resources, featuring books, journal articles, Web sites, and contact information for relevant organizations. In addition to a general introduction, the volume also contains a detailed subject index and over 60 photographs, tables, and charts.Written in a clear, engaging manner with numerous examples of famous or recent geological disasters, the Sourcebook is an excellent introduction to the topic for high school and college students, as well as a valuable resource for teachers, professors, journalists, and interested general readers. Government agencies and private relief organizations that deal with natural disasters will also find the book useful.