Environmental Effects on Human Decomposition in the Palouse Region

Understanding how environment affects the decomposition process of a corpse is crucial in assisting forensic investigations. In winter, decomposition, insect activity and animal scav enging decrease due to low temperatures which cause preservation. Decomposition, insect activity and animal scavenging increase in the summer. During spring and fall, decomposi tion can occur in addition to adipocere formation and preservation depending on the ambient temperature as temperatures during daytime and evening can be vastly different. Further studies are needed to develop a more specific timeline for decomposition in the Palouse region.masters, M.A., Anthropology -- University of Idaho - College of Graduate Studies, 2017-1