Austria

Sand Origin

Large Sandpit next to the city of Melk The geologist sand collector informs that the sand if of Linz-Melk-Formation of lowermost Miocene age.

Random Sand Fact

A century ago, an Austrian forensic scientist suggested: “perhaps the dirt on someone’s shoes could tell more about where a person had last been than toilsome inquiries.”

Today, sand and soil forensics is a reality. Forensic geologists trace sand and soil in evidence materials. The type of sand, its composition, and the shape of the sand grains can uncover helpful clues. As unlikely as it may sound, computer-generated texture recognition of quartz sand is a thing.

The next time you see sand, remember it can reveal more than you ever imagined!

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