What is the process of removing debris from the top down while observing the relative location of artifacts called?

The process of removing debris from the top down while observing the relative location of artifacts is known as layering. This method is crucial in fire and explosion investigations as it allows the investigator to maintain the context of each artifact and understand how items relate to one another within the scene.

Layering involves careful excavation techniques where investigators systematically remove layers of debris, closely noting how the artifacts are situated in relation to each other. This helps in reconstructing the sequence of events that led to the fire or explosion, as investigators can see which items were above or below others, providing critical insights into the fire’s origin and development.

Stratification typically refers to the arrangement of different layers of materials, but it does not specifically address the careful, top-down removal process. Excavation is a general term that refers to digging out and removing material, but it does not emphasize the observational aspect or the importance of maintaining context as layering does. Mapping is focused on recording the location of artifacts and features in a structured manner, rather than the methodical removal of debris. Thus, layering is the most precise term for this specific process in the context of fire and explosion investigations.