NCJ Number
226561
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 382-394
Date Published
March 2009
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the procedures used to locate an historic (150-160 years old) graveyard in northwest Ireland, which demonstrates one approach to the location and mapping of recent and historic unmarked graves.
Abstract
This study replicated many of the procedures used in the search for and investigation of unmarked war-time, epidemic, and clandestine burial sites. When burials are too old to provide a thermal, vegetation, or ground-disturbance profile, or when remotely-sensed data of required resolution cannot be obtained because of cost or security, then geographic analysis of maps, historic aerial photography, and walk-over are required. The current study is an example of this latter circumstance. Historical information suggests the existence of a cemetery of certain shape, location, and likely size. Using aerial photography, a likely site was quickly located, reducing the time required for surveys on foot. The target site had over eight times the visual estimate of the number of burial sites. Interpretation of 200 MHz ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) data showed no anomalies that could be burials outside of the target area, yet nearly doubled the estimate of graves made by surface evaluation only. Experiments with 400 MHz antennae showed the 200 MHz data probably missed many burials. A combined interpretation of surface features (collapses, breaks of slope), metal detector indicators, and GPR data provided an image of multiple inhumations to the west of the site. Geographic, geological, and geophysical investigation shows that the graves occurred at a likely local water table in permeable sands and silts, with a low regional slope to the south. A full hydrogeological investigation is required in order to assess the effect of the diseased cadavers on shallow and deep groundwater. 10 figures and 18 references