An introduction to forensic soil science and forensic geology: a synthesis

Abstract Using forensic soil science and geology as trace evidence searches for burials is the theme of papers in this Special Publication. The concept design volume was initially established by International Union Geological Sciences, Initiative on Forensic Geology, which successfully brought together geologists, scientists, police officers law enforcement agents investigation crimes. In introductory paper a brief overview provided developments interdisciplinary knowledge exchange with use geological materials (known ‘earth materials’) search provision evidence. aim to provide background information role value understanding materials’ ranging from landscape scale, crime scene through microscopic scale investigations support agencies solving criminal, environmental, serious organized crime, terrorism. connection, recent advances field laboratory methods are highlighted. Finally, 20 briefly introduced these include diversity global operational case studies that involve collection analysis earth material scenes homicide graves other buried targets.