Provide precise identification and logistical details for the excavation site. Accurate documentation is critical for legal proceedings and scientific analysis.
Site Code/Case Number
Site Name/Location Descriptor
Excavation Start Date/Time
Excavation End Date/Time
Lead Forensic Archaeologist
Excavation Team Members and Roles
Was the site previously disturbed by construction, agricultural activity, or other human intervention?
Is the site currently secured and under active monitoring?
Document the archaeological context and stratigraphic relationships of the remains. This information is crucial for reconstructing burial events and assessing integrity.
Burial Context Type
Surface scatter (no burial pit)
Shallow grave (< 50cm depth)
Deep grave (≥ 50cm depth)
Cist/grave lining present
Natural topographic feature (e.g., cave, crevice)
Mass burial context
Commingled secondary burial
Cremation deposit
Other
Depth of Remains Below Modern Ground Surface (cm)
Stratigraphic Description and Soil Matrix
Were any grave goods, personal effects, or cultural artifacts found in direct association with the remains?
Is there evidence of multiple burial events or temporal separation of remains?
Record critical environmental parameters that significantly influence decomposition rates and bone preservation. These factors are essential inputs for PMI estimation algorithms.
Soil pH (0-14 scale, measured at bone level)
Ambient Moisture Percentage (%)
Soil Temperature at Time of Excavation (°C)
Drainage Conditions at Site
Well-drained (sandy/gravelly substrate)
Moderately drained (loam)
Poorly drained (clay/high water table)
Waterlogged/saturated
Seasonally variable
Vegetation Cover Type
Dense forest canopy
Open woodland
Grassland/meadow
Agricultural crop
Urban/landscaped
Bare ground
Other
Is the site subject to seasonal flooding or extreme temperature fluctuations?
Rate the following environmental factors' impact on preservation (1=minimal impact, 5=severe impact)
Soil acidity/alkalinity erosion | |
Freeze-thaw cycles | |
Bioturbation (animal/plant activity) | |
Microbial decomposition | |
Chemical contamination |
Systematically document each skeletal element recovered. Use standard osteological nomenclature and record metrics essential for taphonomic analysis. The Structural Integrity Decay Rate is automatically calculated based on weathering stage and cortical thickness.
Skeletal Elements Inventory and Condition
Bone Name (Element and Side) | Cortical Thickness (mm) | Weathering Stage (0-5) | Structural Integrity Decay Rate | Completeness (%) | Fragile/Requires Stabilization | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Right Femur | 8.5 | 0 | 85 | |||
Left Humerus | 6.2 | 0 | 70 | |||
Cranial Vault | 5 | 0 | 60 | |||
Mandible | 10 | 0 | 90 | |||
0 | ||||||
0 | ||||||
0 | ||||||
0 | ||||||
0 | ||||||
0 |
Were any elements conjoined or articulated upon discovery?
Is there evidence of perimortem trauma (fractures, cut marks, etc.)?
Are there signs of post-mortem scavenging or predation?
Document all observable taphonomic modifications that occurred after deposition. These features provide crucial information about post-mortem interval and site formation processes.
Bone Surface Modifications Present (select all that apply)
Carnivore gnawing/punctures
Rodent gnawing
Root etching
Trampling abrasion
Water rounding/transport
Sun bleaching
Manganese staining
Thermal alteration (burning)
Cut marks (post-mortem)
None observed
Are there signs of intentional concealment or dismemberment?
Is there evidence of body fluid staining or adipocere formation?
Overall Taphonomic Summary and Site Formation Processes
Provide preliminary or definitive assessments of the biological profile based on recovered skeletal elements. Indicate confidence levels for each estimation.
Estimated Age at Death
Infant (0-3 years)
Child (3-12 years)
Adolescent (13-17 years)
Young Adult (18-30 years)
Middle Adult (31-50 years)
Older Adult (51+ years)
Indeterminate
Multiple individuals of varying ages
Estimated Biological Sex
Male
Female
Possible Male
Possible Female
Ambiguous/Indeterminate
Multiple individuals of different sexes
Are there observable pathological conditions or antemortem trauma?
Estimated Living Stature (cm)
Do you suspect this represents commingled remains from multiple individuals?
The Estimated Post-Mortem Interval is calculated using a proprietary algorithm that integrates taphonomic data, environmental factors, and skeletal weathering patterns. This calculation provides a preliminary estimate that must be corroborated with additional analyses. Formula: PMI (months) = (Average Weathering Stage/Soil pH) × 12. Note: This is a simplified demonstration formula for educational purposes. In this example: Average Weathering Stage = 2.0, Soil pH = 6.5, Calculated PMI = (2.0 / 6.5) × 12 = 3.7 months (rounded to 3-4 months).
Calculated Estimated PMI (Months)
PMI Estimation Rationale and Confidence Assessment
Confidence Level in PMI Estimate
High (± 3 months)
Moderate (± 6 months)
Low (± 12 months)
Very Low/Speculative (± 24+ months)
Cannot be estimated with current data
Do you recommend additional analytical techniques for PMI refinement (e.g., amino acid racemization, isotopic analysis)?
Upload all visual documentation and supporting materials. Ensure files are properly labeled with element numbers and orientation.
Site Overview Photographs (before excavation)
In-Situ Skeletal Element Photographs (during excavation)
Detailed Bone Surface Modification Images (macro and micro)
Site Plan and Stratigraphic Drawings (vector or raster format)
Field Notes and Context Sheets (PDF or scanned documents)
3D Photogrammetry or Laser Scan Data (if available)
Is video documentation available for the excavation process?
Document all legal and procedural aspects of the excavation to maintain evidentiary integrity.
Was proper legal authorization obtained for this excavation (court order, permit, etc.)?
Coroner/Medical Examiner Case Number
Law Enforcement Agency and Contact
Have remains been transferred to a forensic anthropology laboratory or medical examiner's facility?
Lead Forensic Archaeologist Signature and Date
Provide any additional information, observations, or recommendations that do not fit into previous sections.
Overall Site Significance and Research Potential
Recommendations for Additional Analysis
Are there any ethical considerations or stakeholder consultations required (e.g., indigenous communities, descendant groups)?