Collaborative geophysical monitoring of simulated forensic 'Crime Scenes' in the U.K

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.