Forensic military geophysics: battlefield reconnaissance and trace identification

Dong ZHANG, LiangSheng GE, XinBiao LÜ, Bin WANG, JiaPan YAN, YuKun YANG, Kun REN

Prog Geophy ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1) : 372-386.

PDF(6826 KB)
image
Home Journals Progress in Geophysics
Progress in Geophysics

Abbreviation (ISO4): Prog Geophy      Editor in chief:

About  /  Aim & scope  /  Editorial board  /  Indexed  /  Contact  / 
Online first  /  Current issue  /  All issues  /  Top access  /  RSS
PDF(6826 KB)
Prog Geophy ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (1) : 372-386. DOI: 10.6038/pg2025II0138

Forensic military geophysics: battlefield reconnaissance and trace identification

Author information +
History +

Abstract

Forensic military geophysics is a new branch of military geophysics in the field of military intelligence reconnaissance and identification with high-resolution measurements of the shallow underground layers of geophysical methods on typical military scenes including of the medium and small-scale battlefield spaces of tactics and combat military activities, which is used to directly verify the geological structure information of the reachable area, so as to infer the geophysical characteristics of the detection targets in the unreachable area by a close analogy of similarity in geological environment, and to solve the problem of effective reconnaissance and identification of geological intelligence evidence in the unfamiliar battlefield environment. A series of geophysical methods mainly include electrical methods, electromagnetic methods, seismic exploration and magnetic methods, which are applied to military scenes of the known battlefield environmental survey and the unknown battlefield intelligence reconnaissance. The key of the application to forensic military geophysical methods is similarity, contrast, rapidity, and non-destructive testing, which extremely could be in accordance with reconnaissance and identification to the physical characteristics of hidden objects as evidence constraints of battlefield environmental intelligence. The three types of typical examples consisting of projectile contact explosion damage effect in battlefield reconnaissance, military vehicle maneuverability in trace identification, and hidden target search underwater indicated that the resistivity method, R-wave survey and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) have a good identification effect on the remains evidence from military activities in shallow subsurface. This paper proposes that the multi-method application of forensic military geophysics is suitable to investigate and take the evidence for subsurface geological information of battlefield dynamic change conditions. The combination of geological and geophysical methods can effectively enhance the evidence identification effect. A multifaceted approach to the study of forensic geophysics and military geology will promote the theoretical innovation and practical application of military geophysics.

Key words

Geoforensics / Military geophysics / Military geoscience / Battlefield environment intelligence / Reconnaissance and identification

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations
Dong ZHANG , LiangSheng GE , XinBiao LÜ , et al . Forensic military geophysics: battlefield reconnaissance and trace identification[J]. Progress in Geophysics. 2025, 40(1): 372-386 https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2025II0138

References

List( Publishing order | Descend order by publishing year | Descend order by cited within ) Chart analysis
Bulmer M H . Military use of environmental degradation by Islamic State, Northern Iraq. Scientia Militaria, 2018, 46 (1): 123- 147.
https://doi.org/10.5787/46-1-1228
Cited in this article [1]
Chen J Y , Meng X , Xie W , et al. Progress and enlightenment of underground engineering geophysical survey technologies. Protective Engineering, 2022, 44 (3): 70- 78.
Chen Y , Li J . Advances of geophysics in 2001. Progress in Geophysics, 2003, 18 (1): 1- 4.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2003.01.001
Chen Y J . Geophysical operations methods in the future warfare. National Defense, 1994, (5): 46
Cui Q W , Chen C L , Chen Y F , et al. Geophysics and physical weapon. Overview of Disaster Prevention, 2005, (4): 22- 23.
Ferreira A M , Marchezini V , Mendes T S G , et al. A systematic review of forensic approaches to disasters: gaps and challenges. International Journal of Disaster Risk Science, 2023, 14 (5): 722- 735.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-023-00515-9
Cited in this article [1]
Fleming S, McDonald E V, Bacon S N. 2016. Military test site characterization and training future officers—an integrated terrain analysis approach. //McDonald E V, Bullard T eds. Military Geosciences and Desert Warfare: Past Lessons and Modern Challenges. New York: Springer, 273-295, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3429-4_18.
Cited in this article [1]
Galgano F A, Rose E P F. 2021. Military geosciences. //Alderton D H M, Harmon R S eds. Encyclopedia of Geology. 2nd ed. Oxford: Academic Press, 648-659.
Cited in this article [1]
Ge L S , Wang L , Zhang D , et al. An Introduction to Military Geology. Beijing: National Defence Industry Press, 2023 1- 434.
Gross M R, Ghosh K, Manda A K, et al. 2004. A GIS-based spatial analysis of caves and solution cavities: application to predicting cave occurrence in limestone terrain. //Caldwell D R, Ehlen J, Harmon R S eds. Studies in Military Geography and Geology. Dordrecht: Springer, 287-306.
Cited in this article [1]
Han S Q , Li X H , An Y W , et al. A review on the identification of nuclear explosions, chemical explosions and natural earthquakes. Progress in Geophysics, 2010, 25 (4): 1206- 1218.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2010.04.009
Hu X Y , Yang D K , Liu S H , et al. The developing trends of environmental and engineering geophysics. Progress in Geophysics, 2006, 21 (2): 598- 604.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2006.02.041
Huang S Q, Liu D Z. 2005. The studies and applications of intelligence reconnaissance and identification in geophysics for national security. //The Essays collection of Geophysics in Shanxi Province: National Security and Military Geophysics (5th) (in Chinese). Xi'an: Chinese Geophysical Society, 81-85.
Keppner G . Ludger mintrop. The Leading Edge, 1991, 10 (9): 21- 28.
https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1436838
Cited in this article [1]
Latterza V , Ros V , Turetta C , et al. Chemical and lead isotope characterisation of first world war shrapnel balls and bullets used on the alpine Austrian-Italian front. Scientia Militaria-South African Journal of Military Studies, 2018, 46 (1): 163- 187.
https://doi.org/10.5787/46-1-1230
Cited in this article [1]
Leith W . Military geology in a changing world. Geotimes, 2002, 47 (2): 24- 26.
Cited in this article [1]
Leucci G . Advances in Geophysical Methods Applied to Forensic Investigations. Cham: Springer, 2020 1- 298.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-46242-0
Cited in this article [3]
Li G C , Li P , Jiang C X , et al. Advances of the application of urban geophysical exploration methods in China. Progress in Geophysics, 2023, 38 (4): 1799- 1814.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2023GG0355
Liu D Z , Su J , Wang R M , et al. Studies on pattern recognition of nuclear explosion and earthquake. Nuclear Electronics & Detection Technology, 2005, 25 (2): 114- 118.
Liu D Z , Huang S Q , Qian C S . Developing military geophysics, making contribution for national safety—review on the inaugural meeting and the first symposium of geophysical special committee for national safety and military. Progress in Geophysics, 2006a, 21 (1): 248- 250.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2006.01.037
Liu D Z , Zhang B , Li X H , et al. On the feature phase space in the seismic pattern recognition of underground nuclear explosions. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2006b, 49 (3): 871- 876.
Liu D Z . A number of research directions in geophysics for national security. Progress in Geophysics, 2007a, 22 (4): 1327- 1331.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2007.04.044
Liu D Z. 2007b. The review and prospect: military geophysics. //The Essays Collection of the Anniversary Meeting (20th) of Geophysical Special Committee in Shanxi Province (in Chinese). Xi'an: Chinese Geophysical Society, Shaanxi Geophysical Society, 41-46.
Liu D Z. 2008. The past, present and future on military geophysics. //The Essays Collection of Symposium of Geophysics for National Security (4th) (in Chinese). Qingdao: Chinese Geophysical Society, Shaanxi Geophysical Society, 1-9.
Liu G D , Liu D Z . On military geophysics. Progress in Geophysics, 2003, 18 (4): 576- 582.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2003.04.001
Liu Y , Wei W B . Forensic geophysics: a new trend of research on applied geophysics. Progress in Geophysics, 2023, 38 (4): 1824- 1841.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2023EE0522
Liu Z G, Qian C S. 2007. The situation analysis on technology of evaluation of striking effects in U.S. forces. //The Essays Collection of Symposium of Geophysics for National Security (3rd) (in Chinese). Xi'an: Chinese Geophysical Society, 187-190.
Lu F Y , Jiang B H , Li X Y , et al. Weapon Warhead Projection and Destruction. Beijing: Science Press, 2013 1- 304.
Magnuson S . Daunting challenges face those waging subterranean warfare. National Defense Magazine, 2007,
Cited in this article [1]
Matias M J , Marques J M , Figueiredo P , et al. Assessment of pollution risk ascribed to Santa Margarida Military Camp activities (Portugal). Environmental Geology, 2009, 56 (6): 1227- 1235.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1222-3
Cited in this article [1]
Mazhari S A . An introduction to forensic geosciences and its potential for Iran. Journal of Geography and Geology, 2010, 2 (1): 77- 82.
Cited in this article [1]
Moran K S , Gold C L . Forensic Archaeology: Multidisciplinary Perspectives. Cham: Springer, 2019 1- 324.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03291-3
Cited in this article [1]
Pinsker L M . Geology adventures in Afghanistan. Geotimes Web Feature, 2002,
Cited in this article [1]
Reynolds J M . An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 1997
Cited in this article [1]
Ritz K , Dawson L , Miller D . Criminal and Environmental Soil Forensics. Dordrecht: Springer, 2009 1- 513.
Cited in this article [2]
Rose E P F , Pareyn C . Geology and the liberation of Normandy, France, 1944. Geology Today, 1995, 11 (2): 58- 63.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2451.1995.tb00912.x
Cited in this article [1]
Roskin J. 2016. Analysis of recurring sinking events of armored tracked vehicles in the Israeli agricultural periphery of the Gaza Strip. //McDonald E V, Bullard T eds. Military Geosciences and Desert Warfare: Past Lessons and Modern Challenges. New York: Springer, 339-352, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3429-4_21.
Cited in this article [2]
Ruffell A , McKinley J . Forensic geoscience: applications of geology, geomorphology and geophysics to criminal investigations. Earth-Science Reviews, 2005, 69 (3-4): 235- 247.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earscirev.2004.08.002
Cited in this article [4]
Ruffell A , McKinley J . Geoforensics. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2008 1- 330.
Cited in this article [9]
Sabol Jr D E, Minor T B, McDonald E V, et al. 2016. Parent material mapping of geologic surfaces using ASTER in support of integrated terrain forecasting for military operations. //McDonald E V, Bullard T eds. Military Geosciences and Desert Warfare: Past Lessons and Modern Challenges. New York: Springer, 311-337, doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3429-4_20.
Cited in this article [1]
Tian B Q , Ding Z F . Review and prospect prediction for microtremor survey method. Progress in Geophysics, 2021, 36 (3): 1306- 1316.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2021FF0145
Wang X , Wang Z H , Chen C X , et al. Geophysical exploration and application for urban underground space. Progress in Geophysics, 2021, 36 (5): 2204- 2214.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2021EE0497
Xie X B , Zhao L F . The seismic characterization of North Korea underground nuclear tests. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 2018, 61 (3): 889- 904.
https://doi.org/10.6038/cjg2018L0677
Xu Y X , Ou Y , Zhao P D . Accurate Evaluation Technology on Damage Effectiveness. Beijing: Beijing Institute of Technology Press, 2021 1- 405.
Xue F X , Zhang L , Sha J J , et al. Image processing algorithm research and system development for analysis of physical damage characteristic of ground engineering targets. Protective Engineering, 2022, 44 (2): 37- 42.
Xue F X , Xu X Y , Wang A B , et al. Estimation of underground intense explosion yield based on surface deformation monitored by spaceborne D-InSAR technology. Protective Engineering, 2023, 45 (4): 27- 33.
Zhang D, Lu Y M, Yuan S S, et al. 2021a. The concept and application of geological operations methods. //The Abstract Collection of the Anniversary Meeting (3rd) of Battlefield Environment Support (in Chinese). 63-64.
Zhang D, Ge L S, Lü X B, et al. 2021b. The sustainability of military geology: the typical applications to assist ground military operations. //The Excellent Essays Collection of the Anniversary Meeting(3rd) of Battlefield Environment Support (in Chinese). 202-211.
Zhang D , Ge L S , Lü X B , et al. Military geosciences: past lessons and modern challenges. Geological Review, 2024,
Zhang J C, Fan Q X, Han R F. 2008. On applied thinking to military activities of geophysical methods. //The Essays Collection of Symposium of Geophysics for National Security (4th) (in Chinese). Qingdao: Chinese Geophysical Society, Shaanxi Geophysical Society, 36-41.
Zhang J Q . Engineering geophysical detection methods technology application and prospects. Progress in Geophysics, 2016, 31 (4): 1867- 1878.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg20160460
Zhang K J . Vehicle-Terramechanics. Beijing: National Defence Industry Press, 2002 1- 323.
陈 家运 , 孟 醒 , 谢 伟 , 等. 地下工程地球物理探测技术进展与启示. 防护工程, 2022, 44 (3): 70- 78.
Cited in this article [2]
陈 颙 , 李 娟 . 2001年地球物理学的一些进展. 地球物理学进展, 2003, 18 (1): 1- 4.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2003.01.001
Cited in this article [1]
陈 云金 . 未来战争中的地球物理战. 国防, 1994, (5): 46
Cited in this article [1]
崔 秋文 , 陈 长林 , 陈 英方 , 等. 地球物理学和物理武器. 防灾博览, 2005, (4): 22- 23.
Cited in this article [1]
葛 良胜 , 王 梁 , 张 栋 , 等. 军事地质导论. 北京: 国防工业出版社, 2023 1- 434.
Cited in this article [2]
韩 绍卿 , 李 夕海 , 安 跃文 , 等. 核爆、化爆、地震识别研究综述. 地球物理学进展, 2010, 25 (4): 1206- 1218.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2010.04.009
Cited in this article [1]
胡 祥云 , 杨 迪坤 , 刘 少华 , 等. 环境与工程地球物理的发展趋势. 地球物理学进展, 2006, 21 (2): 598- 604.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2006.02.041
Cited in this article [1]
黄世奇, 刘代志. 2005. 国家安全地球物理情报侦测技术研究及应用. //陕西地球物理文集(五)国家安全与军事地球物理研究. 西安: 中国地球物理学会, 81-85.
Cited in this article [1]
李 广才 , 李 培 , 姜 春香 , 等. 我国城市地球物理勘探方法应用进展. 地球物理学进展, 2023, 38 (4): 1799- 1814.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2023GG0355
Cited in this article [1]
刘 代志 , 苏 娟 , 王 仁铭 , 等. 核爆地震的模式识别研究. 核电子学与探测技术, 2005, 25 (2): 114- 118.
Cited in this article [1]
刘 代志 , 黄 世奇 , 钱 昌松 . 发展军事地球物理, 为国家安全作贡献—国家安全与军事地球物理专业委员会成立大会暨首届学术研讨会综述. 地球物理学进展, 2006a, 21 (1): 248- 250.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2006.01.037
Cited in this article [2]
刘 代志 , 张 斌 , 李 夕海 , 等. 核爆地震模式识别中的特征相空间研究. 地球物理学报, 2006b, 49 (3): 871- 876.
Cited in this article [1]
刘 代志 . 国家安全地球物理学的若干研究方向. 地球物理学进展, 2007a, 22 (4): 1327- 1331.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2007.04.044
Cited in this article [3]
刘代志. 2007b. 军事地球物理学: 回顾与前瞻. //中国西部地球物理研究与实践陕西省地球物理学会成立20周年专集. 西安: 中国地球物理学会, 陕西省地球物理学会, 41-46.
Cited in this article [2]
刘代志. 2008. 军事地球物理学的过去、现在与未来. //第四届国家安全地球物理学术研讨会论文集. 青岛: 中国地球物理学会, 陕西省地球物理学会, 1-9.
Cited in this article [2]
刘 光鼎 , 刘 代志 . 试论军事地球物理学. 地球物理学进展, 2003, 18 (4): 576- 582.
https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1004-2903.2003.04.001
Cited in this article [3]
刘 远 , 魏 文博 . 法证搜寻: 应用地球物理学研究的新方向. 地球物理学进展, 2023, 38 (4): 1824- 1841.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2023EE0522
Cited in this article [2]
刘志刚, 钱昌松. 2007. 美军打击效果评估技术的现状分析. //第三届国家安全地球物理学术研讨会论文集. 西安: 中国地球物理学会, 187-190.
Cited in this article [1]
卢 芳云 , 蒋 邦海 , 李 翔宇 , 等. 武器战斗部投射与毁伤. 北京: 科学出版社, 2013 1- 304.
Cited in this article [1]
田 宝卿 , 丁 志峰 . 微动探测方法研究进展与展望. 地球物理学进展, 2021, 36 (3): 1306- 1316.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2021FF0145
Cited in this article [1]
王 栩 , 王 志辉 , 陈 昌昕 , 等. 城市地下空间地球物理探测技术与应用. 地球物理学进展, 2021, 36 (5): 2204- 2214.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg2021EE0497
Cited in this article [1]
谢 小碧 , 赵 连锋 . 朝鲜地下核试验的地震学观测. 地球物理学报, 2018, 61 (3): 889- 904.
https://doi.org/10.6038/cjg2018L0677
Cited in this article [1]
徐 豫新 , 欧 渊 , 赵 鹏铎 . 毁伤效能精确评估技术. 北京: 北京理工大学出版社, 2021 1- 405.
Cited in this article [1]
薛 凡喜 , 张 磊 , 沙 建军 , 等. 面向地面工程目标物理毁伤特征分析的图像处理算法研究与系统开发. 防护工程, 2022, 44 (2): 37- 42.
Cited in this article [1]
薛 凡喜 , 徐 翔云 , 王 安宝 , 等. 基于星载D-InSAR地表形变监测的地下强爆炸当量估计. 防护工程, 2023, 45 (4): 27- 33.
Cited in this article [1]
张栋, 路彦明, 袁士松, 等. 2021a. 地质环境保障的概念思维与运用设想. //第三届战场环境保障学术年会论文摘要集. 63-64.
Cited in this article [1]
张栋, 葛良胜, 吕新彪, 等. 2021b. 军事地质的可持续性: 支持地面军事行动的典型应用. //第三届战场环境保障学术年会优秀论文集. 202-209.
Cited in this article [2]
张 栋 , 葛 良胜 , 吕 新彪 , 等. 军事地球科学: 历史经验与现代挑战. 地质论评, 2024,
Cited in this article [2]
张金城, 范启雄, 韩若飞. 2008. 地球物理方法在军事领域的应用思考. //第四届国家安全地球物理学术研讨会论文集. 青岛: 中国地球物理学会, 陕西省地球物理学会, 36-41.
Cited in this article [1]
张 建清 . 工程物探检测方法技术应用及展望. 地球物理学进展, 2016, 31 (4): 1867- 1878.
https://doi.org/10.6038/pg20160460
Cited in this article [1]
张 克健 . 车辆地面力学. 北京: 国防工业出版社, 2002 1- 323.
Cited in this article [1]

研究成果得到自然资源部军事地质研究与应用科技创新团队支撑，论文得到军委某科技委专家指导，在此表示感谢，同时感谢审稿专家提出的修改意见.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Copyright ©2025 Progress in Geophysics. All rights reserved.
PDF(6826 KB)

Accesses

Citation

Detail
Sections
Recommended

/

〈 〉