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.

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Apr 21st, 10:00 AM Apr 21st, 12:00 PM

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