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Searching for the Beaumont Children and Other Adventures in Unmarked Grave Detection

ASEG Webinar

Branch hosting the event: SA/NT

Title: Searching for the Beaumont Children and Other Adventures in Unmarked Grave Detection

Presenter: Dr Ian Moffat

Date: Tuesday 2nd June 12:30 pm AEST

Abstract: The reliable detection of unmarked graves is one of the most important challenges faced by community groups, industry, and law enforcement agencies. Burials are ubiquitous in the archaeological and forensic record however these features are challenging to locate with conventional techniques. Geophysical methods are often used for this purpose due to their non-invasive nature and rapid site coverage however graves remain a difficult target due to their subtle response and small size. This presentation reviews a number of grave detection projects, including the search for the Beaumont Children and mapping WWII graves from the Battle of Tarawa, to discuss current best practice in this field.

Bio: Ian Moffat is an ARC DECRA Senior Research Fellow in Archaeological Science at Flinders University where he undertakes research in the application of earth science techniques in archaeology. He has previously held research positions at the University of Cambridge and the Institute for Mediterranean Studies. Ian holds a PhD from the ANU and a BA and BSc (Hons) from UQ. In addition to his academic career, he has worked at Ecophyte Technologies, Precipice Training, and Archaeometry Pty Ltd.