Geoforensics

Ruffell, Alastair; McKinley, Jennifer

doi:10.1002/9780470758854

Cited by 130 publications

(115 citation statements)

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“…The presence of sediments at a wide variety of crime scenes has led to geoforensic analysis being used in a multitude of scenarios to aid crime scene reconstruction, corroborate witness statements or verify suspect alibis 9 . Trace geoforensic evidence can be used in a predictive manner in order to guide investigators to the location of its source, through the use of databases and maps in combination with expert local knowledge 2,10,11 . Alternatively, earth materials can be analysed for the purposes of comparison in order to exclude the possibility of a common source of known and questioned samples.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

McCulloch¹,

Morgan²,

Bull

2016

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

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A key issue for geoforensic analysis is the ability to discriminate between geographical locations of close proximity, often with similar underlying geology. This paper addresses the lack of empirical research into the non-mineral components of sediment samples and presents the development of a method of sediment sample characterisation by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) utilising the organic components of the sample. A sample preparation method and set of instrument parameters were developed such that the cost of the analysis could be reduced, efficiency increased and the sample amount required for analysis reduced fourfold. The re-developed method allows samples collected from different locations within the same forensically relevant site to be accurately discriminated in this study by both visual examination of the chromatography and the use of multivariate statistics. The results of the HPLC analysis were compared with those obtained by quartz grain surface texture analysis, and HPLC was found to offer better discrimination between the samples in this instance. The results of this study suggest that HPLC has the potential to offer an accurate and practical method of comparing soil samples based on characteristics that are independent of, and therefore complementary to, traditional mineralogical-based geoforensic analyses.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

McCulloch¹,

Morgan²,

Bull

2016

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Queens University Belfast (QUB) have been leading the field in Water-Penetrating Radar (WPR) studies to detect submerged objects, with reviews [23] and research as well as best practice of search using geoscience methods [5] and historical cemetery research [24]. They are also very experienced in environmental forensic research.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Accurate determination of the time since burial is also critical for forensic investigators to link suspects to or eliminating them from a crime [3]. Geoscientific methods are being increasingly utilised by forensic search teams for the detection and location of clandestinely buried material [4][5]. In the search for clandestine graves of murder victims, burials are usually shallow (less than 3 m and typically 0.5 m below ground level or bgl [6]), but current detection rates are low and, without locating the victim's body, obtaining a successful conviction can be very difficult [1,2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Collaborative Geophysical Monitoring of Simulated Forensic 'Crime Scenes’ in the U.K.

Pringle¹,

Cassella²,

Williams³

et al. 2013

Proceedings

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SummaryThis paper provides an overview of current collaborative academic forensic geophysics research on various U.K. test sites to detail the importance of forensic simulated burial sites for forensic search investigators. Academic forensic test sites contain a variety of buried material objects that have been buried for various periods. The team also have access to historical burial grounds for data collection if required. Research is gaining an understanding of optimal search technique(s) for different buried targets, optimum methodologies and sequential search workflows. From this research, additionally a detailed understanding of the local depositional environment(s), particularly soil type(s), age/style of burial and local climate datasets are critical to have a successful detection. Ongoing long-term monitoring efforts are detailing optimal time windows for searches and techniques. Main Objectives 1.Describe current forensic search best practice 2. Detail collaborative UK academic network 3. Describe forensic geophysics knowledge 4. Detail major forensic geophysics UK sites Describe research findings New Aspects CoveredDetails UK academic forensic test sites and long-term studies to characterise detection technique(s), equipment configuration(s), data spacings/datasets to assist forensic search teams. Topics8. Near surface geophysics for forensic applications 2.

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“…Forensic investigators are increasingly using geoscientific methods to aid them in civil or criminal forensic investigations, predominantly to assist search teams or for trace evidence purposes (Ruffell and McKinley 2008). One key and high-profile 'target' for forensic search teams to detect and locate are human remains buried within clandestine graves (Harrison and Donnelly 2009 This study was conducted to systematically assess the changing geophysical response of simulated clandestine graves during the three years after burial.…”

Section: Topics Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geophysical Monitoring of Simulated Clandestine Graves Using Electrical and GPR Methods - 0-3 Years after Burial

Pringle¹,

Jervis²,

Hansen³

et al. 2011

Proceedings

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SummaryThis study provides forensic search teams with systematic geophysical monitoring data over simulated clandestine graves for comparison to active cases. Simulated 'wrapped' and 'naked' burials were created. Multi-geophysical surveys were collected over a three-year monitoring period. Bulk ground resistivity, Electrical Resistivity Imaging, multi-frequency Ground Penetrating Radar and grave 'soil water' conductivity data were collected. Resistivity surveys revealed the naked burial had consistently low-resistivity anomalies, whereas the wrapped burial which had small, varying highresistivity anomalies. GPR 110-900 MHz frequency surveys showed the wrapped burial could be detected throughout, with the 'naked' burial difficult to resolve after 18 months. 225 MHz frequency data was optimal. 'Soil water' analyses showed rapidly increasing (year one), slowly increasing (year two) and decreasing (year three) conductivity values. Results suggest resistivity and GPR surveys should be collected if target 'wrapping' is unknown, with winter to spring surveys optimal. Resistivity surveys should be collected in clay-rich soils. Main Objectives:1. Systematically monitor the geophysical responses of clandestine graves over a three-year burial interval. The selected geophysical monitoring methods were electrical (both fixedoffset surveys and electrical resistivity imaging 2D profiles) and multi-frequency GPR surveys.2. To determine, of the geophysical techniques and configurations investigated, which would be optimal to detect buried human remains in the different burial styles (naked and wrapped) and if this changed over time.3. To determine which dominant frequency GPR antennae would be optimal for forensic search teams to utilize for the detection of similar clandestine burials.4. To measure changes in the conductivity of soil-water within a grave, in order to better understand the geophysical survey data collected over the graves.5. To generate and calibrate 2D resistivity models of the survey site at yearly intervals to explain the changing resistivity responses.6. Simultaneously collect appropriate site data (rainfall and temperature) to allow comparisons with other research studies and criminal search investigations. New Aspects Covered:This study is the first to simultaneously collect multi-frequency GPR, fixed off-set and 2D ERI electrical surveys, grave 'leachate' conductivity measurements and site-specific factors (local climate, moisture content, porosity) etc over a three-year monitoring period. Results show surprising variations both temporally and seasonally, with winter surveys consistently

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Geoforensics

Cited by 130 publications

References 0 publications

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

High Performance Liquid Chromatography as a valuable tool for geoforensic soil analysis

Collaborative Geophysical Monitoring of Simulated Forensic 'Crime Scenes’ in the U.K.

Geophysical Monitoring of Simulated Clandestine Graves Using Electrical and GPR Methods - 0-3 Years after Burial

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