Winter Decomposition Rate of Submerged Bodies in Cold Weather Climates
Location
CSU Ballroom
Start Date
21-4-2008 10:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2008 12:00 PM
Student's Major
Anthropology
Student's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mentor's Name
Kathleen Blue
Mentor's Department
Anthropology
Mentor's College
Social and Behavioral Sciences
Description
While underwater human decomposition processes have been will documented in warm weather climates, there has been relatively little research done on the decomposition rates of humans in northern climates during the winter months. Almost all of the previous underwater winter decomposition data has been compiled through anecdotal information taken from various crime or accident scenes. To advance our knowledge of the subject, underwater decomposition scientific testing is necessary in order to provide an accurate timeline of decomposition phases. These phases will then be able to aid investigators in determining time of death and the condition of the body prior to submersion. By using pig carcasses as human proxys, this experiment was designed to achieve results that would closely resemble that of human decomposition without the use of human cadavers. Information gathered over the two month experiment appears to indicate that there may be a series of processes by which the determination of approximate time of death, as well as physical state prior to submersion, might be possible.
Winter Decomposition Rate of Submerged Bodies in Cold Weather Climates
CSU Ballroom
While underwater human decomposition processes have been will documented in warm weather climates, there has been relatively little research done on the decomposition rates of humans in northern climates during the winter months. Almost all of the previous underwater winter decomposition data has been compiled through anecdotal information taken from various crime or accident scenes. To advance our knowledge of the subject, underwater decomposition scientific testing is necessary in order to provide an accurate timeline of decomposition phases. These phases will then be able to aid investigators in determining time of death and the condition of the body prior to submersion. By using pig carcasses as human proxys, this experiment was designed to achieve results that would closely resemble that of human decomposition without the use of human cadavers. Information gathered over the two month experiment appears to indicate that there may be a series of processes by which the determination of approximate time of death, as well as physical state prior to submersion, might be possible.
Recommended Citation
Hamond, Jason. "Winter Decomposition Rate of Submerged Bodies in Cold Weather Climates." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/poster-session-A/11
