How long could a body stay in tact if it was dumped in a river?

There are many factors, including freezing. Bodies submerged in water under certain conditions become adipose- that is, the fatty tissue turns into a sort of wax and is thus preserved.

Very deep lakes can preserve a body remarkably well- in Round Valley, New Jersey, there is a very deep artificial reservoir. There have been cases where bodies that were submerged for a decade or more floated to the surface and were initially believed to be recent drowning victims- until they are identified as a person missing many years earlier.

What is the case to which you refer?

There are a lot of variables. Temperature, tides, water flow and wildlife all play large factors. Bones, obviously,could survive for years. Flesh considerably less long.

That is the basis for forensic studies. Might be an interesting career??

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