Forensic Taphonomy

Forensic taphonomy is the study of human decomposition to determine circumstances and time-of- death. The taphonomic processes of decomposition commence almost immediately following death. Decomposition is a continuum and there are many taphonomic agents which will act on the body. Changes must be considered in the context of the decomposition environment. Scavengers contribute to the decomposition process. External factors that can affect the rate of decomposition are predominantly environmental variables. The deceased body itself also impacts its own rate of decay. Taken together this can provide for the formulation of the taphonomic expectation for a crime scene or a search area in which a clandestine grave or decomposed or decomposing body may be present.