The Application of Ground‐Penetrating Radar for Forensic Grave Detection

Schultz, John J.

doi:10.1002/9781118255377.ch4

Cited by 17 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Near-surface geophysical methods rely on there being a detectable physical contrast between the target and the background (or host) materials (see [37]). Near-surface geophysical surveys have been used to try and locate clandestine graves in a number of reported criminal search investigations (17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)25,26,(38)(39)(40)(41)(42). Geophysical surveys collected over simulated burials have also been undertaken to collect control data (e.g., [15,[43][44][45][46]).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Search for “Fred”: An Unusual Vertical Burial Case,

Wisniewski

Cooper

Heaton

et al. 2019

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Police witness intelligence stated a murdered adult male “Fred” had been vertically buried in wooded hilly terrain 30 years ago in the Midlands, U.K. Conventional search methods were unsuccessful; therefore, the police requested a geophysical investigation to be undertaken to determine whether “Fred” could be detected. A multiphased geophysical approach was conducted, using bulk ground conductivity and metal detectors, then follow‐up magnetics and ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey profiles on electromagnetic (EM) anomalous areas. A tight grid pattern was used to account for the reduced target size. Relatively high‐resolution EM and GPR techniques were determined optimal for this terrain and sandy soil. Geophysical anomalies were identified and the most promising intrusively investigated, and this was found to be a large boulder and tree roots. Study implications suggest careful multiphase geophysical surveys are best practice and give confidence in cold case searches. This study yielded a no‐body result, effectively saving police time and costs from further investigations.

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confidence: 99%

The Search for “Fred”: An Unusual Vertical Burial Case,

Wisniewski

Cooper

Heaton

et al. 2019

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Key considerations for determining the right strategy include: the type of burials, their extent, and the prospecting methods archaeologists may already be using (e.g. Dupras et al, ; Pickering & Bachman, ; Schultz, ). The latter may include very sophisticated and refined techniques, though these are often focused on obtaining evidence of the social context such as criminal activity, rather than the full range of social behaviours and funerary practices.…”

Section: Quick Low‐cost Data Collection Strategiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Maximising Skeletal Data Collection in Commercial Archaeology

Průchová

Chroustovský

Kacl

2016

Intl J of Osteoarchaeology

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This paper explores the application of quick, simple and low-cost procedures for data collection in commercial-driven 'salvage' archaeology. In large-scale cemetery contexts, the collection of a meaningful data set is often under extreme time and cost constraints. This requires the application of tailored field techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration between archaeologists, anthropologists and developers in order to maximise results. The authors examine procedures recently utilised to document and preserve skeletal data in three post-mediaeval cemeteries in Prague, and evaluate their efficacy.

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“…Experienced investigators will generally determine ahead of time the most appropriate methods that can be incorporated prior to conducting the search. When searching for clandestine graves, geophysical methods are routinely used as part of the multidisciplinary protocol when site conditions are appropriate to use these methods for locating clandestine graves .…”

Section: Side‐scan Sonar Operationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Detecting Submerged Bodies: Controlled Research Using Side‐Scan Sonar to Detect Submerged Proxy Cadavers

Healy

Schultz

Parker

et al. 2015

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Forensic investigators routinely deploy side-scan sonar for submerged body searches. This study adds to the limited body of literature by undertaking a controlled project to understand how variables affect detection of submerged bodies using side-scan sonar. Research consisted of two phases using small and medium-sized pig (Sus scrofa) carcasses as proxies for human bodies to investigate the effects of terrain, body size, frequency, swath width, and state of decomposition. Results demonstrated that a clear, flat, sandy pond floor terrain was optimal for detection of the target as irregular terrain and/or vegetation are major limitations that can obscure the target. A higher frequency towfish was preferred for small bodies, and a 20 m swath width allowed greater visibility and easier maneuverability of the boat in this environment. Also, the medium-sized carcasses were discernable throughout the 81-day study period, indicating that it is possible to detect bodies undergoing decomposition with side-scan sonar.

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The Application of Ground‐Penetrating Radar for Forensic Grave Detection

Cited by 17 publications

References 12 publications

The Search for “Fred”: An Unusual Vertical Burial Case,

The Search for “Fred”: An Unusual Vertical Burial Case,

Maximising Skeletal Data Collection in Commercial Archaeology

Detecting Submerged Bodies: Controlled Research Using Side‐Scan Sonar to Detect Submerged Proxy Cadavers

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