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Jane, I have conducted decomposition experiments in the US and found that soft tissue decomposition is highly correlated to the microenvironment of the internment including standard factors such as soil temperature but also including the condition of associated soft tissue (cooked versus uncooked, skinned, eviscerated, ect.). Since I am on the wrong side of the pond to provide a direct analysis of England soils, here are some references you may want to consult which are specific to your location. J.G. Evans and S. Limbrey (1974) The experimental earthwork on Modern Bog, Wareham, Dorest, England: 1963 to 1972. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 40:170-202. Boddington et. al. (1987) Death, Decay and Reconstruction: Approaches to archaeology and forensic science. Manchester University Press. Nicholson, R.A. (1996) Bone Degradation, Burial Medium and Species Representation: Debunking the Myths, an Experiment Based Approach. Journal of Archaeological Science 23:513-533. Secondary deposition is always a possible explanation of inconsistent dating between articulating elements...especially small elements. -April _______________________ April M. Beisaw, RPA --- Jane Richardson <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Dear All, > > I wonder if anyone could provide me with information > relating to the > decomposition of soft tissue in domestic animals. I > have two articulations > from a single grub deposit that I have used to > suggest that deposition was > rapid. These partial skeletons have been radiocarbon > dated, however, to > nearly a hundred years apart (at two sigma levels of > confidence). How > rapidly would you expect animals to disarticulate > (given sand/gravel geology > in NE England)? Is there another explanation? > > With thanks, > Jane > > Dr Jane Richardson > Environmental Officer > > WYAS Archaeological Services > PO Box 30 > Nepshaw Lane South > Morley > Leeds > LS27 0UG > > Tel: 0113 3837509 > [log in to unmask] __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com