Manual of Forensic Taphonomy

Forensic taphonomy is the study of postmortem changes to human remains, focusing on environmental effects. The Manual of Forensic Taphonomy is the first update in over ten years and the first book to consider distinguishing among multiple types of taphonomic changes. It examines taphonomic alterations to bone and related processes, including burial environments, animal scavenging, cultural modifications, marine environments, subaerial weathering, thermal alteration, and recovery methods. The book discusses survivability of different bones, degradation of DNA, and organisms involved in soft-tissue decomposition, and presents methods to determine the timing of taphonomic damage. It is an ideal guide for students and non-specialists and a reference manual for professionals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Forensic taphonomy is a comprehensive field of study that delves into the postmortem alterations undergone by human remains, with a primary emphasis on the environmental factors that contribute to these changes. These environmental effects encompass a wide range of processes, including decomposition in soil and water, interactions with plants, insects, and other animals, and the overall ecological context in which the remains are found. While other books have focused on specific aspects of forensic taphonomy, such as forensic botany and entomology, the Manual of Forensic Taphonomy stands as the first comprehensive update in over a decade and the first to address the nuanced differentiation between various types of taphonomic alterations.

Edited by two esteemed experts in the field, this authoritative volume explores the taphonomic alterations to bone and related taphonomic processes that are of significant interest in forensic contexts. It provides in-depth examinations of taphonomic changes that occur in diverse burial environments, the intricate dynamics of animal scavenging and transport, the complex processes of fluvial and human movement, the impact of cultural modifications on remains, the challenges posed by marine environments, the effects of subaerial weathering, the thermal alterations that occur, and the recovery methods employed in the collection of forensic evidence.

The book delves into the intricate interplay between survivability of different bones, the degradation of DNA in various environments, and the diverse organisms involved in the process of soft-tissue decomposition, ultimately leading to skeletonization. It also sheds light on microscopic alterations, color changes, macroscopic physical damage of multiple types, and the loss of bone through dispersal away from the initial body deposition site. By presenting a range of methods and checklists for the collection of microscopic and macroscopic taphonomic data, the authors aim to assist practitioners in accurately determining the timing of taphonomic damage (perimortem vs. postmortem) and in effectively preserving and analyzing forensic evidence.

One of the key aspects of forensic taphonomy is the ability to recognize and discriminate between osseous alterations that may appear similar but have distinct origins. This requires a deep understanding of the taphonomic processes and the ecological factors that influence them. The Manual of Forensic Taphonomy serves as a valuable resource for forensic scientists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and law enforcement professionals, providing them with the latest knowledge and techniques in this field. It equips them with the tools necessary to investigate and interpret evidence with precision, ensuring the accurate identification of individuals, the reconstruction of events, and the resolution of legal cases.

In conclusion, forensic taphonomy is a vital discipline that plays a crucial role in the investigation and resolution of criminal cases. By examining the postmortem changes to human remains in the context of environmental factors, forensic taphonomy enables law enforcement professionals to gather valuable evidence, identify suspects, and reconstruct the events surrounding a crime. The Manual of Forensic Taphonomy, as a comprehensive and authoritative resource, plays a pivotal role in advancing the field and ensuring the effective application of taphonomic knowledge in forensic practice.

Weight: 916g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367778507