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A comparison of surface features on submerged and non-submerged bone using scanning electron microscopy

A comparison of surface features on submerged and non-submerged bone using scanning electron microscopy
A comparison of surface features on submerged and non-submerged bone using scanning electron microscopy
Skeletal remains are excellent sources of information regarding the deceased individual and the taphonomic history of their body. However, the accuracy of this information is governed by our ability to interpret features on the surface of a bone. Little research in this respect has been carried out on remains found in aquatic environments. This study compares damage features created on the surface of modern and archaeological bone found in a seawater environment, to surface features present on unmodified bone, archaeological bone, pathological bone and burned bone. Results show that no similarities with regard to surface pores were identified between submerged modern bone and archaeological, pathological and burned bone. Similarities were seen between submerged and dry archaeological bones. Thus it is argued that the misinterpretation of the taphonomic history of isolated bones recovered from bodies of water should be avoidable in the forensic context.
Forensic anthropology, Taphonomy, Bone, Sediment transport, Aquatic environment, Scanning electron microscopy
1752-928X
770-776
DeBattista, R.
43b12898-f903-4029-8f56-a71e990ee19c
Thompson, T.J.U.
8b1a3243-3f5c-4460-8e1d-7af2bc447308
Thompson, C.E.L.
2a304aa6-761e-4d99-b227-cedb67129bfb
Gowland, R.L.
42a017cd-908d-400b-87ed-a91f1f56e251
DeBattista, R.
43b12898-f903-4029-8f56-a71e990ee19c
Thompson, T.J.U.
8b1a3243-3f5c-4460-8e1d-7af2bc447308
Thompson, C.E.L.
2a304aa6-761e-4d99-b227-cedb67129bfb
Gowland, R.L.
42a017cd-908d-400b-87ed-a91f1f56e251

DeBattista, R., Thompson, T.J.U., Thompson, C.E.L. and Gowland, R.L. (2013) A comparison of surface features on submerged and non-submerged bone using scanning electron microscopy. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 20 (6), 770-776. (doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2013.03.037).

Record type: Article

Abstract

Skeletal remains are excellent sources of information regarding the deceased individual and the taphonomic history of their body. However, the accuracy of this information is governed by our ability to interpret features on the surface of a bone. Little research in this respect has been carried out on remains found in aquatic environments. This study compares damage features created on the surface of modern and archaeological bone found in a seawater environment, to surface features present on unmodified bone, archaeological bone, pathological bone and burned bone. Results show that no similarities with regard to surface pores were identified between submerged modern bone and archaeological, pathological and burned bone. Similarities were seen between submerged and dry archaeological bones. Thus it is argued that the misinterpretation of the taphonomic history of isolated bones recovered from bodies of water should be avoidable in the forensic context.

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More information

Published date: August 2013
Keywords: Forensic anthropology, Taphonomy, Bone, Sediment transport, Aquatic environment, Scanning electron microscopy
Organisations: Geology & Geophysics

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 358544
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/358544
ISSN: 1752-928X
PURE UUID: 489168c7-a231-48cd-8d24-ad35d39fc475
ORCID for C.E.L. Thompson: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-1105-6838

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 08 Oct 2013 10:39
Last modified: 15 Mar 2024 03:05

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Contributors

Author: R. DeBattista
Author: T.J.U. Thompson
Author: C.E.L. Thompson ORCID iD
Author: R.L. Gowland

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