Search and Body recovery

Question 1

Geophysics

Answer 1

If theres no disturbance visible
3 types commonly used:
Resistivity, Magnetometry, Ground penetrating radar (GPR)

Question 2

Resistivity

Answer 2

-Resistance to current between two electrodes
-soil moisture conducts current
water/loose soil less resistant than compacted - gives peak
-Good for features containing some water (ditches,old graves)
-Not good for waterlogged or very dry soil

Question 3

Magnetometry

Answer 3

• ID changes to magnetic field by burning, burial metal or refilled holes
• Fast - 20 mins to cover 20m(2)
• Works in waterlogged soil/dry soil
• Affected by overhead power cables & ferrous metal on site

Question 4

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Answer 4

Radar frequencies bounce off sub-surface features

• ID pits, ditches, graves
• ID voids in walls and concrete
• Works to 3m down
• Good for urban sites & tough terrain
• Unaffected by metal/cables
• Not good in wet, standing water, or clay-rich soil

Question 5

Roles of forensic archaeologists/enviro profilers in body recovery

Answer 5

• Record & reconstruct events
• ID bones present
• determine duration from soil layers, vegetation & insects
• sample for trace evidence
• sieve & search soil for evidence

Question 6

Open air body recovery

Answer 6

• scavengers scatter remains
• standard archaeology techniques used
• decomposition site is mapped, soil searched
• botanist can ID duration of scattered items
• enviro& insect sampling done
• detailed archaeological recording will ID events and timing