Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 11/18/2013 - 17:22
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Tectonic History of the Transantarctic Mountains 2013

Hi my name is Cale and I am from Pope John Paul II High School in Boca Raton, Florida. I am currently taking a Marine Science course, and with regards to your last journal, approximately how long does it take for the process of mummification require to take place on an animal such as the Weddell Seal?

Tue, 11/19/2013 - 09:11

Brian DuBay

Not as long as you would think. Antarctica being so dry, less than 1% humidity, and too cold for most organisms and bacteria that would help decompose the seal, the seal decomposes at a amazing slow rate. The seal outside Scott Hut only shows signs of the blubber decomposing and dripping on the snow. In another 50-70 years the seal should really start to fall apart. In a matter of weeks the dead seal was frozen solid and stayed within that state until today.

Sun, 11/24/2013 - 12:06

Anonymous

Thank you, I appreciate your descriptive response. Best of luck on the remainder of your experience in Antarctica!