Final answer:
Before arriving at a crime scene in a large wooded area, forensic anthropologists and law enforcement can use aerial surveys, geophysical imaging like ground-penetrating radar, historic research and cadaver dogs to non-invasively locate potential human remains and narrow down search areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
To locate human remains in a large wooded area before physically arriving at the scene, forensic anthropologists and law enforcement can use a couple of non-invasive techniques:
- Aerial surveys using drones or satellite imagery can help in identifying disturbed soil, unusual vegetation patterns, or any anomalies that may indicate a grave site.
- Geophysical surveys such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) allow investigators to detect sub-surface anomalies without excavation. GPR is particularly useful for identifying changes in soil composition that could suggest a burial.
- Historical research might provide insights into areas most likely used historically for burial or concealment of remains.
- Cadaver dogs, also known as human remains detection dogs, are trained to detect the scent of decomposition and can cover large areas relatively quickly. They are highly effective in varying terrain types and can be particularly useful in narrowing down search zones before manual searches or excavations begin.
These techniques help investigators prioritize areas for a closer manual inspection or excavation. The ultimate goal is to recover remains and associated material evidence in the most efficient and non-invasive manner possible.