Seasonal Variation of Carcass Decomposition and Gravesoil Chemistry in a Cold (Dfa) Climate†
Jessica Meyer B.S.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 102 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0816
Search for more papers by this authorBrianna Anderson B.S.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 102 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0816
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
David O. Carter Ph.D.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 102 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0816
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 115 Wesselkamper Science Center, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96816
Additional information and reprint requests:
David O. Carter, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Chaminade University of Honolulu
115 Wesselkamper Science Center
3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorJessica Meyer B.S.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 102 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0816
Search for more papers by this authorBrianna Anderson B.S.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 102 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0816
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
David O. Carter Ph.D.
Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 102 Entomology Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68583-0816
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 115 Wesselkamper Science Center, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96816
Additional information and reprint requests:
David O. Carter, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy
Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Chaminade University of Honolulu
115 Wesselkamper Science Center
3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
E-mail: [email protected]
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
It is well known that temperature significantly affects corpse decomposition. Yet relatively few taphonomy studies investigate the effects of seasonality on decomposition. Here, we propose the use of the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system and describe the decomposition of swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) carcasses during the summer and winter near Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. Decomposition was scored, and gravesoil chemistry (total carbon, total nitrogen, ninhydrin-reactive nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate, and soil pH) was assessed. Gross carcass decomposition in summer was three to seven times greater than in winter. Initial significant changes in gravesoil chemistry occurred following approximately 320 accumulated degree days, regardless of season. Furthermore, significant (p < 0.05) correlations were observed between ammonium and pH (positive correlation) and between nitrate and pH (negative correlation). We hope that future decomposition studies employ the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system to understand the seasonality of corpse decomposition, to validate taphonomic methods, and to facilitate cross-climate comparisons of carcass decomposition.
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