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A Review of Bomb Pulse Dating and its Use in the Investigation of Unidentified Human Remains
Author(s) -
JohnstoneBelford Eden Centaine,
Blau Soren
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/1556-4029.14227
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , statistical analysis , interpretation (philosophy) , psychology , history , computer science , statistics , law , mathematics , political science , programming language
In cases where there is limited antemortem information, the examination of unidentified human remains as part of the investigation of long‐term missing person's cases is a complex endeavor and consequently requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bomb pulse dating, which involves the analysis and interpretation of 14C concentration, is one technique that may assist in these investigations by providing an estimate of year of birth and year of death. This review examines the technique of bomb pulse dating and its use in the identification of differentially preserved unknown human remains. Research and case studies implementing bomb pulse dating have predominantly been undertaken in the Northern Hemisphere and have demonstrated reliable and accurate results. Limitations were, however, identified throughout the literature. These included the small sample sizes used in previous research/case studies which impacted on the statistical significance of the findings, as well as technique‐specific issues. Such limitations highlight the need for future research.