Decomposition Process of a Buried Body
- After just a few days, a dead body looks like a bloated, discolored mess. But after two weeks, the body starts to mummify. The skin dries and becomes hard, the hair falls out, and the internal organs shrink.
- Generally, a buried body takes 10 or 15 years to decompose to a skeleton. As coffins decompose over time, the remains gradually sink and merge at the bottom of the grave.
Effects of Burial Conditions on Decomposition
- A body wrapped in just a shroud decomposes faster than one in an airtight casket with cement barriers. More barriers slow decomposition but the order stays the same.
- If buried below 55 degrees, a body looks fairly preserved after 5-20 years, with some decay and discoloration but little visible damage.
Post-50 Years Question
What does a buried body look like after 20 years?
A buried body looks quite different after 20 years than immediately after burial. The skin and tissues will have decomposed, leaving only the skeleton remaining. Depending on the soil type and other environmental factors, the bones may be discolored or even crumbled.