A Study of Decomposition Based on Body Wrappings in Cold Climates
Location
CSU 201
Start Date
10-4-2018 10:00 AM
End Date
10-4-2018 11:00 AM
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
Though a wealth of research exists on decomposition rates in warmer temperatures, much less exists about what happens to a body after death in cold climates. In this study, I tested decomposition rates in cold weather based on the way a body might theoretically be disposed of. Three already deceased feeder pigs were used as subjects. One was wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, one in a blanket, and one was left out in the open. The weather conditions were recorded daily, in addition to weekly visits to observe the state of the subjects. As of now, no differences in decomposition rates have been detected among the three conditions, but the experiment is still ongoing.
A Study of Decomposition Based on Body Wrappings in Cold Climates
CSU 201
Though a wealth of research exists on decomposition rates in warmer temperatures, much less exists about what happens to a body after death in cold climates. In this study, I tested decomposition rates in cold weather based on the way a body might theoretically be disposed of. Three already deceased feeder pigs were used as subjects. One was wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, one in a blanket, and one was left out in the open. The weather conditions were recorded daily, in addition to weekly visits to observe the state of the subjects. As of now, no differences in decomposition rates have been detected among the three conditions, but the experiment is still ongoing.
Recommended Citation
Bruce, Shannon. "A Study of Decomposition Based on Body Wrappings in Cold Climates." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 10, 2018.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2018/oral-session-01/1
