Collaborative geophysical monitoring of simulated forensic ‘crime scenes’ in the UK

Williams, A; Cross, P; Ruffell, A; Masters, P; Pringle, JK; Cassella, JP

Collaborative geophysical monitoring of simulated forensic ‘crime scenes’ in the UK

Williams, A; Cross, P; Ruffell, A; Masters, P; Pringle, JK; Cassella, JP

Authors

A Williams

P Cross

A Ruffell

P Masters

Dr Jamie Pringle j.k.pringle@keele.ac.uk

JP Cassella

Abstract

This 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.

Conference Name	Second International Conference on Engineering Geophysics
Conference Location	Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
Start Date	Nov 24, 2013
End Date	Nov 27, 2013
Publication Date	Nov 27, 2013
Series Title	2nd International Conference on Engineering Geophysics
Keywords	forensic geophysics, forensic science
Publisher URL	http://www.eage.org/events/index.php?evp=8476&ActiveMenu=2