Question: how long does an exposed body take to decay

Katherine Davies answered on 11 Mar 2011:

Hi again Callum

Your questions are very thoughtful.

Decomposition is hugely variable. Environmental temperature, wind, rainfall, humidity and geographical location all play huge roles.

For example, a body left in the dry desert will mummify quickly, with very little decay. A body in an open field will decay in the summer within 2-4 weeks, in the winter and rain, it will take many months.

This is why when we estimate time since death, we have to take into account so many factors, including covering/accessibility for insects. To make accurate estimates, we set up a temperature probe at the scene for ~10 days after, and correlate these temperatures to local weather station data to estimate previous temperatures. This then allows us to predict the weather conditions the body experienced, and from this we estimate when the body was placed there.

Hope that helps

Kat

Kat