Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

The use of magnetic susceptibility as a forensic search tool

Pringle, Jamie K.; Giubertoni, Matteo; Cassidy, Nigel J.; Wisniewski, Kristopher D.; Hansen, James D.; Linford, Neil T.; Daniels, Rebecca M.

The use of magnetic susceptibility as a forensic search tool Thumbnail


Authors

Matteo Giubertoni

Nigel J. Cassidy

Kristopher D. Wisniewski

James D. Hansen

Neil T. Linford

Rebecca M. Daniels



Abstract

There are various techniques available for forensic search teams to employ to successfully detect a buried object. Near-surface geophysical search methods have been dominated by ground penetrating radar but recently other techniques, such as electrical resistivity, have become more common. This paper discusses magnetic susceptibility as a simple surface search tool illustrated by various research studies. These suggest magnetic susceptibility to be a relatively low cost, quick and effective tool, compared to other geophysical methods, to determine disturbed ground above buried objects and burnt surface remains in a variety of soil types. Further research should collect datasets over objects of known burial ages for comparison purposes and used in forensic search cases to validate the technique.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Oct 31, 2014
Online Publication Date Nov 11, 2014
Publication Date 2015-01
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Forensic Science International
Print ISSN 0379-0738
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 246
Pages 31 -42
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.10.046
Keywords forensic geophysics, forensic science, social and public welfare, magnetic susceptibility
Publisher URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0379073814004666

Files




You might also like



Downloadable Citations