Geophysical Investigation at Fort Detrick Maryland

Abstract

Results of a comprehensive, integrated geophysical investigation of 15 suspected disposal areas at Area B, Fort Detrick, Maryland, are presented. Between 1943 and 1969, Fort Detrick served as the nation's center for military offensive and defensive biological research. As a result of this activity, chemically and biologically contaminated materials were generated and disposed in burial pits at Site B. Based on historical and visual information, 15 sites suspected of containing burial pits were selected to be examined in greater detail using geophysical methods. The geophysical investigations were designed to detect anomalous conditions indicative of past disposal activities. The geophysical program included electromagnetic (EM), magnetic, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and seismic refraction methods. Anomalous conditions were found at several of the sites tested and noted. The anomalous conditions may have resulted from the presence of buried material or from physical and/or chemical soil changes caused by disposal activities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA268224

Entities

People

  • Janet E. Simms
  • José L. Llopis

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anomaly Detection
  • Conductivity
  • Data Displays
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Electrical Properties
  • Engineers
  • Geophysics
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Groundwater
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Maryland
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Radar
  • Refraction

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Environmental Remediation and Restoration.
  • Geotechnical Engineering.