The use of geoscience methods for terrestrial forensic searches

J. K. Pringle*, A. Ruffell, J. R. Jervis, L. Donnelly, J. McKinley, David J. Hansen, R. Morgan, D. Pirrie, Mark Harrison

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Geoscience methods are increasingly being utilised in criminal, environmental and humanitarian forensic investigations, and the use of such methods is supported by a growing body of experimental and theoretical research. Geoscience search techniques can complement traditional methodologies in the search for buried objects, including clandestine graves, weapons, explosives, drugs, illegal weapons, hazardous waste and vehicles. This paper details recent advances in search and detection methods, with case studies and reviews. Relevant examples are given, together with a generalised workflow for search and suggested detection technique(s) table. Forensic geoscience techniques are continuing to rapidly evolve to assist search investigators to detect hitherto difficult to locate forensic targets. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)108-123
Number of pages16
JournalEarth-Science Reviews
Volume114
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2012

Keywords

  • Geoscience
  • Forensic
  • Burials
  • Remote sensing
  • Geochemistry
  • Geophysics
  • GROUND-PENETRATING RADAR
  • BURIED HUMAN REMAINS
  • LANDMINE DETECTION
  • GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
  • ELECTRICAL-RESISTIVITY
  • UNEXPLODED ORDNANCE
  • CLANDESTINE GRAVES
  • ODOR ANALYSIS
  • SOIL
  • SURFACE

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