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Geological Society, London, Special Publications; 2004; v. 232; p. 75-96;
DOI: 10.1144/GSL.SP.2004.232.01.09
© 2004 Geological Society of London

Development of a coastal dune sediment database for England and Wales: forensic applications

Samantha E. Saye & Kenneth Pye

Kenneth Pye Associates Limited, Crowthorne Enterprise Centre, Crowthorne Business Estate, Old Workingham Road, Crowthorne, RG45 6AW, UK s.saye{at}kpal.co.uk

A database of coastal dune sediments in England and Wales has been developed with potential applications in forensic investigations. Coastal dunes are popular sites for criminal-related activities, including burial of drugs, weapons and murder victims. The coastal dunes and associated areas of windblown sand in England and Wales occupy an area of approximately 200 km2 within 112 individual identified systems. Research has been undertaken to ascertain the spatial variation in sedimentological properties of the coastal dune sediments in England and Wales. Field sediment sampling has been undertaken at each dune system. More than 1500 sediment samples have been analysed by laser diffraction to determine particle size characteristics, and more than 500 have been analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) to determine chemical composition. Two examples illustrate how the database has been used in criminal investigation.