Searching for concealed human remains using GPR imaging of decomposition

Abstract

Locating clandestine burials of human remains has long-challenged law-enforcement officials investigating criminal activity, and continues to confront scientific disciplines in finding well-defined procedures. Forensic specialists and law enforcement agencies have noted that multidisciplinary search efforts are becoming more of a necessity in searching for buried remains. Collaborative research at The University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility (ARF) in Knoxville supports this concept. We are correlating ground-penetrating radar (GPR) imaging with postmortem processes. Decompositional stages and rate imagery are presented that utilize sweep-frequency radar and time-elapsed imaging. Greater accuracy in predicting clandestine burials using dynamic GPR anomaly detection will reduce widespread excavations and may better assist law-enforcement personnel in obtaining site-specific search warrants.