Abstract The desktop study of geology, past land use and recent surveys is essential in planning the search for buried items, as it provides information on ground conditions and may explain anomalies. In the first case study, a geophysical search of waste ground in west Belfast (Northern Ireland) identified two anomalies that on excavation were recovered as human skeletal remains. A desktop study, which included Ordnance Survey maps and memoirs, showed the location to have been next to a Jewish cemetery (1901–20), providing a reason for the human remains to be present. In the second case study, legal action was undertaken because a football ground suffered continual flooding. A desktop study preceded a geophysical survey that showed how the area was a former industrial works, infilled with sand but poorly drained, creating a ‘bowl’ into which urban drainage flowed, causing the flooding. The context of land-use change is an example of how useful such combined geological and historical studies can be (using spatial digital data in a GIS), regardless of the age of an object/area of potential forensic interest. A full desktop study should be carried out prior to any field survey to limit the chances of deploying incorrect search assets and misinterpreting discoveries.

Abstract The body of a missing person was found adjacent to a 3 km long sand-covered forest track in an upland area of Northern Ireland (UK). Geological trace evidence in the form of sand was found in the passenger footwell and on the foot pedals of a vehicle belonging to the last known associates of the deceased. A Geographical Information Science (GIS) methodology was used to integrate regional geological and soil databases to confirm the provenance of the sand and to find geographical locations for control (or alibi) samples. To complement the forensic examination in the case, 77 samples were taken at the scene in order to test whether such a collection assists knowledge of the scene, or whether fewer, targeted samples at access points to the body would have sufficed. The results demonstrate the potential applications of a GIS approach and show the usefulness of employing a spatial sampling scheme to understand the degree of local variability between samples. The findings from this study demonstrated that fewer samples would have been sufficient to associate the questioned items with the scene, yet would not have demonstrated how other areas of the track could be progressively excluded from comparison.

Abstract Salt mining along with natural and human-induced salt dissolution affects the ground over Permian and Triassic strata in the UK. In England, subsidence caused by salt mining, brine extraction and natural dissolution is known to have occurred in parts of Cheshire (including Northwich, Nantwich, Middlewich), Stafford, Blackpool, Preesall, Droitwich and Teeside/Middlesbrough; it also occurs around Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland. Subsidence ranges from rapid and catastrophic failure to gentle sagging of the ground, both forms being problematical for development, drainage and the installation of assets and infrastructure such as ground source heat pumps. This paper reviews the areas affected by salt subsidence and details the mitigation measures that have been used; the implications for planning in such areas are also considered.

Abstract Radon ( 222 Rn) is a natural radioactive gas that occurs in rocks and soils and can only be detected with special equipment. Radon is a major cause of lung cancer. Therefore, early detection is essential. The British Geological Survey and Public Health England have produced a series of maps showing radon affected areas based on underlying geology and indoor radon measurements, which help to identify radon-affected buildings. Many factors influence how much radon accumulates in buildings. Remedial work can be undertaken to reduce its passage into homes and workplaces and new buildings can be built with radon preventative measures.

Abstract Radon ( 222 Rn) has been highlighted by a number of authors as a significant public health concern. For example, it is the second most significant cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking ( c. 1000–2000 and 21 000 deaths per year in the UK and USA, respectively), yet a very high proportion of the general public appears to be unaware of the risk. This chapter deals with topical radon issues, such as: radon in the workplace; radon in homes; exposure to radon during leisure activities; radon and water; measurement and monitoring; seasonal correction; remediation; cancer risks; cost–benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness; mapping; future policies; and further research. This assessment of the state of radon research is focused on the UK as an example of a country where radon has been on the governmental agenda since the late 1970s, but also highlights radon issues throughout the world in, for example, the USA, Europe and Asia.