Online virtual learning resources have been available for and teaching in forensic science some years now, but the recent global COVID-19 related periods of irregular lockdown necessitated rapid development these teaching, CPD activities. However, do need to be carefully constructed grounded pedagogic theory effective. This article details eXtended Reality (XR) environments facilitate effective online geoscientists. The first two case studies discussed this make use Thinglink software...

Abstract This ongoing monitoring study provides forensic search teams with systematic geophysical data over simulated clandestine graves for comparison to active cases. Simulated “wrapped,” “naked,” and “control” burials were created. Multiple surveys collected 6 years, here showing from 4 years after burial. Electrical resistivity (twin electrode ERI ), multifrequency GPR , grave background soil water collected. Resistivity revealed that the naked burial had low‐resistivity anomalies up...

Abstract Finding hidden bodies, believed to have been murdered and buried, is problematic, expensive in terms of human resource currently has low success rates for law enforcement agencies. Here we present, the first time, ten years multidisciplinary geophysical monitoring simulated clandestine graves using animal analogues. Results will provide forensic search teams with crucial information on optimal detection techniques, equipment configuration datasets comparison active unsolved cold...

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition which impacts how individuals communicate and interact with the world around them simultaneously recognised broadly as form of neurodivergence protected legally disability (e.g. U.K. Equality Act 2010). frequently remains under-represented un-disclosed in academia, despite it having no impact on intelligence. In fact, many autistic traits such problem-solving skills thinking ‘outside box’ should be conducive to success...

Hand-held, portable X-Ray fluorescence instruments (pXRF) provide a means of rapid, in-situ chemical characterisation that has considerable application as rapid trace evidence tool in forensic geoscience. This study presents both control test which demonstrates optimisation the data collection process, alongside range individual case studies, including heavy metal contamination, conflict archaeology, soil characterisation, and verification human remains, together validate technique some...

Graveyards and cemeteries around the world are increasingly designated as full. Therefore, there is a requirement to identify vacant spaces for new burials or existing ones exhume then reinter if necessary. Geophysical methods offer potentially noninvasive target detection solution; however, has been limited research optimal geophysical against burial age. We have collected multifrequency (225–900 MHz) ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity, magnetic susceptibility surface...

Colombian forensic investigators required assistance locating clandestine burials of missing persons related to human right atrocities from 14 years ago. Geoscientific search methods were trialled, including a predictive spatial statistical model, using various input and database information, select the most likely grave locations in difficult mountainous terrain. Groundwork geomorphology, near-surface geophysics (ERT) subsequent probing identified suspect burial positions. One site was...

Access to laboratory facilities and associated instrumentation represents a major barrier learning in physical science education, due constraints introduced by limited time financial resources, cost of acquisition, health safety requirements. Virtualized laboratories offer some mitigation these problems but may also introduce further such as limiting discussion collaboration, inhibiting development skills, reducing engagement. This study aims evaluate the effectiveness virtual simulations...

The cold case search for clandestine graves can be challenging due to the length of time elapsed since crime and environment changing itself. This paper reports on a "Christine", young girl who was reported missing in mid-1970s East Midlands, UK. Once sub-area determined by new intelligence rural woodland, police ground proved unsuccessful. A multi-phased geoforensic investigation, using remote sensing UAV drones, metal detector, EM dGPS surveys, subsequently undertaken, with collected data...

The largest escape of German Prisoner War (PoW) in WW2 was March 1945 from Camp 198, situated Bridgend, South Wales, UK. Since camp closure the site has become derelict, and not been scientifically investigated. This paper reports on search to locate PoW tunnel that dug Hut 9. hut remains remarkable condition, with numerous graffiti still present. Also preserved is a prisoner-constructed false wall shower room behind which excavated material hidden, though entrance itself concreted over....

Abstract Police witness intelligence stated a murdered adult male “Fred” had been vertically buried in wooded hilly terrain 30 years ago the Midlands, U.K. Conventional search methods were unsuccessful; therefore, police requested geophysical investigation to be undertaken determine whether could detected. A multiphased approach was conducted, using bulk ground conductivity and metal detectors, then follow‐up magnetics penetrating radar ( GPR ) survey profiles on electromagnetic (EM)...

Locating murder victims buried within clandestine graves is one of the most important and difficult challenges for forensic search teams. This article details how applied geoscientists have been geophysically monitoring simulated burials, using pig cadavers as human proxies, over 10 years, in order to discover best geophysical methods detect this might change time. Low frequency ground penetrating radar electrical resistivity could both locate burials throughout survey period, with...

In most Latin American countries, there are significant numbers of missing people and forced disappearances, over 120,000 in Colombia alone. Successful detection shallow buried human remains by forensic search teams is difficult varying terrain climates. Previous research has created controlled simulated clandestine graves murder victims to optimize techniques methodologies. This paper reports on a study test site results four dismembered victims' as this sadly common scenario encountered...

Human remains have been interred in burial grounds since historic times. Although the re-use of graveyards differs from one country, region or time period to another, over time, graveyard soil may become contaminated enriched with heavy metal elements. This paper presents element analysis two UK church study sites contrasting necrosols, but similar densities and known ages dating back sixteenth century some possibly older than 1,000 years. Portable X-ray fluorescence laboratory-based...

Just before WWII, the British government prepared for an aerial onslaught that was predicted to raze cities and cause mass casualties. By 1938, Air Raid Precautions Act officially stated population protection would be through dispersal, meaning evacuation small-scale protection, local authority responsibility often devolving householders. Archaeological records of remaining air-raid shelters are relatively rare under threat. This paper reports on geophysical surveys three sites in...

In 1940, with the fall of France imminent, Britain prepared secret 'Auxiliary Units' tasked guerrilla activities [Scallywagging] in invading army's rear. Patrols four to eight highly skilled men used below-ground Operational Bases (OBs) remote locations avoid detection. No official records are released, but OBs were 'Mark I', enlarged deer setts, smuggler caves, etc., and Mark II, prefabricated designs by Royal Engineers. This paper details three sites Suffolk: one unknown I was destroyed, a...

Recent events in conflict zones have emphasized that the successful detection and characterisation of buried clandestine complexes, bunkers tunnels is vitally important for forensic investigators globally, to reduce or solve criminal activities, address national security threats avoid potential terrorist attacks. However, this can often prove very difficult, particularly urban areas, with potentially both below-ground non target items above-ground infrastructures present, interfere detecting...

Geoscientists are being increasingly asked by law enforcement, environmental agencies and even wildlife trusts to investigate suspected illegal activities in around water bodies for criminal or civil investigations. Searches surveys aquatic environments can be challenging, depending on the item(s) of interest that is looked for, available search teams equipment area. This article will briefly detail current work geoscientists assisting these investigations, provide some relevant case studies...

Forensic geoscientists assist with the investigation of locating and characterizing suspected illegal activities provide evidence for criminal or civil courts law. Geoforensic search in terrestrial environments can be challenging, depending on item(s) interest that are being looked for, available teams, equipment deployed area(s) itself. This article briefly details current efforts making to these investigations, provides some relevant case studies discusses future developments.