How long do human bones last in the sea?

Answer 1

This depends greatly on placement of the bones.

The salt water by itself will not dissolve the bone, so if the bone is deep enough where there is little water movement or it becomes covered in silt and protected on the bottom of the ocean it can last for thousands, sometimes millions of years in the right conditions.

However, if the bone is left exposed to ocean currents it can be slowly worn away and returned to dust in much the same process that reduces rocks to sand. Depending on the level of exposure this process can take any number of years.

It is important to note that the decay rate out of the ocean is typically much faster due to the presence of microbes which cause decay and predatory animals that are more accustomed to feeding on bone.

Answer 2

The rate at which human bones degrade in the sea can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, salinity, and presence of marine life. In general, bones can last for hundreds to thousands of years in marine environments due to their high mineral content and low organic matter. However, over time, bones may undergo processes such as dissolution, fragmentation, and bioerosion, eventually leading to their complete disintegration.

Answer 3

Human bones can last for centuries in the sea due to their durability and resistance to decomposition. Factors like water temperature, oxygen levels, and presence of marine organisms can affect the rate of decay, but bones can remain intact for a long time underwater.