Final answer:
The decomposition of human remains varies widely. In arid climates like at Los Lunas Mountain, skeletonization can take significantly longer than the 8-12 years that might be typical in temperate conditions, even potentially preserving remains for centuries as seen with mummified remains in historical cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decomposition Time Frame for Buried Human Remains:
The rate of decomposition of human remains can vary greatly depending on numerous factors such as environmental conditions, soil type, depth of burial, and the presence of microorganisms or scavengers. In a setting like the base of Los Lunas Mountain, assuming this area has a similar climate to that of the American Southwest, the process of decomposition can be relatively slow due to arid conditions. Bodies buried approximately 3 feet into the ground would decompose at a rate influenced by the specific soil composition and ambient temperature. In general, complete skeletonization can occur within 8 to 12 years under normal temperate conditions. However, cooler temperatures and lower moisture levels like those found at high altitudes or arid environments may significantly slow down the decomposition process, potentially preserving tissues and mummifying the remains for extended periods.
Several historical findings support the concept of variable decomposition rates. For instance, the Children of the Mountain, sacrificed as part of an Incan ceremony, were mummified and preserved in cold conditions for approximately 500 years. Similarly, analyses of graves can suggest that some bodies show significant joint disarticulation, indicating decomposition prior to burial. Grave sites with differing amounts of skeletal articulation suggest varying intervals between death and burial, with advanced decomposition affecting the state in which bodies were interred.
Different cultural practices also play a role in how remains are handled post-mortem. For example, Jewish burial practices may involve wooden covers, while the Umatilla tribes believe in leaving the body undisturbed indefinitely. Together, these examples illustrate that decomposition rates are not only biological but can be affected by cultural and environmental factors.