Identification of Unmarked Graves

Near-surface geophysical techniques, including ground-penetrating radar, magnetometry, electrical resistivity, and electromagnetic conductivity, have become primary tools in the detection of unmarked human interments. The main advantages of these techniques are that, unlike archaeological excavation, they are relatively rapid and do not involve grave disturbance. Disadvantages are that most surveys do not offer foolproof detection of all or even most graves, and the absolute identification of these anomalies as interments is rarely positive and often requires additional invasive archeological fieldwork. Stripping, excavation, or other invasive tests, however, are not acceptable to many Native American tribes and other groups.