A burial environment is a complex and dynamic system. It plays host to an abundance of interdependent chemical, physical, and biological processes, which are greatly influenced by the inclusion of a body and its subsequent decay. However, while taphonomy continues to emerge as a valuable forensic tool, until now most of the attention has been on the cadaver rather than the grave itself.
"Soil Analysis in Forensic Taphonomy: Chemical and Biological Effects of Buried Human Remains "is the first book to concentrate entirely on the telling impact of soil and its components on the postmortem fate of human remains. Examining the basic physicochemical composition of the soil as it relates to forensic science and taphonomy, leading experts from across the world-

- Offer an introduction to the nature, distribution, and origin of soil materials in forensic comparisons

- Discuss the action of biological soil components, including invertebrates, fungi, and bacteria

- Address rates and processes of decomposition and time of death estimates

- Detail methods for characterizing and fingerprinting soils

- Provide extensive information on the decomposition of hair

Edited by Mark Tibbett, a soil microbiologist and David Carter, a forensic scientist, this unique resourceprovides an up-to-date overview of fundamental scientific principles and methods used in forensic taphonomy from a soils-based perspective. It provides an understanding of the processes at work, as well as practical methods and advice for those involved with active investigation.

Mining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes explores the interface between geology and botany, and mining and conservation. Many areas of unusual geology that contain ore-bearing bodies also support unique ecological communities of plants and animals. Increasing demand to exploit rich mineral deposits can lead to a conflict between mining and conservation interests in such landscapes. This book brings together experts in the field of mining and conservation to grapple with this pressing issue and to work toward a positive outcome for all. Chapters are grouped into four themes: Introduction, Concepts and Challenges; Endemism in Ironstone Geosystems; Progress in Bauxite Mining; and Ways Forward. The book focuses on natural and semi-natural ecosystems, where landscape beauty, biodiversity and conservation value are at their highest measure and the mineral wealth they contain can bring affluence of regional or even national importance. Examples of conflicts ranging from threatened floristic endemics to human ecology are included, from Africa, the Americas and Australasia. Mining in Ecologically Sensitive Landscapes is an important reference for environmental managers, NGOs, restoration ecologists, academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students of ecology and environmental studies, conservation biologists, as well as mine managers, mining environmental specialists, consultants, regulators, and relevant government departments.

Taphonomy aims to understand the preservation of plant and animal remains through the study of the materials in which they are preserved. In the years to come, soils may be viewed as an integral and defining component of taphonomic science. "Soils and Taphonomy" acts as a doorway into a new paradigm for taphonomic sciences, examining the role of soil microbial biomass, invertebrates, fungi in terrestrial decomposition, as well as decomposition of bone and other materials associated with buried cadavers in soil.