Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
10:30
Soil Lysimeter Excavation for Coupled Hydrological, Geochemical, and Microbiological Investigations
Published on: September 11, 2016
Time-lapse resistivity surveys over simulated clandestine graves
John R Jervis1, Jamie K Pringle, George W Tuckwell
1School of Physical and Geographical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK. j.jervis@epsam.keele.ac.uk
Forensic Science International
|August 4, 2009
Summary
Electrical resistivity surveys effectively detect clandestine graves with cadavers by identifying resistivity anomalies. This geophysical method shows potential to reduce extensive excavation in real-world searches.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Forensic Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Locating clandestine graves is a significant challenge in forensic investigations.
- Electrical resistivity surveys offer a non-invasive geophysical method for subsurface anomaly detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of electrical resistivity surveys in detecting simulated clandestine graves.
- To understand the influence of cadavers and burial conditions on resistivity signatures.
Main Methods:
- Conducted regular resistivity surveys over three simulated clandestine graves (pig cadaver, no cadaver, wrapped cadaver).
- Collected soil and groundwater samples from additional simulated graves.
- Analyzed resistivity anomalies and correlated them with burial contents and soil/groundwater properties.
Main Results:
- Graves with pig cadavers showed detectable low resistivity anomalies, linked to increased groundwater conductivity.
- Wrapped cadavers initially produced high resistivity anomalies.
- Disturbed soil alone, without a cadaver, did not generate a detectable resistivity anomaly.
- All graves containing cadavers were successfully detected throughout the study.
Conclusions:
- Electrical resistivity surveys are effective in detecting clandestine graves containing cadavers.
- The presence and condition of a cadaver significantly influence the resistivity signature.
- This geophysical technique can potentially minimize the need for widespread excavation during searches.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Resistivity
When a voltage is applied to a conductor, an electrical field is generated, and charges in the conductor feel the force due to the electrical field. The current density that results depends on the electrical field and the properties of the material. In some materials, including metals at a given temperature, the current density is approximately proportional to the electrical field. In these cases, the current density can be modeled as:
01:30Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device
Surveyors use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to measure the precise location and elevation of points on Earth. In a recent survey, GPS receivers were used to determine the coordinates and elevations of two park monuments. The process involved careful mission planning, data collection, and correction to ensure accuracy. The survey began with mission planning to identify optimal satellite visibility and minimize Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). A geodetic control point served as...