An introduction to forensic geosciences

Abstract

In the current criminalistic scenario, experts face many challenges, including huge amounts of data, lack of time, tiny pieces of evidence, chaotic and complex crime scenes, complicated and time-consuming procedures, inadequate laboratory structures, and sometimes insufficient knowledge, which may lead to failure of investigation or to expire the periods of prescription. This paper briefly overviews the added value in the Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation scenario of some key geoscientific disciplines applied to forensic fields, such as geochemistry, geophysics, geopedology, sedimentology, remote sensing, and mineralogy.