MadSci Network: Anatomy
Query:

Re: When a person drowns, why do they sink then float?

Date: Fri Mar 31 18:55:06 2000
Posted By: Erin Cram, Grad student, Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of CA, Berkeley
Area of science: Anatomy
ID: 953858212.An
Message:

A drowning person will often suck water into their lungs, which will reduce 
buoyancy, causing the person to sink.  For an excellent description see:

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/dec99/944533421.Me.r.html

Micro-organisms will begin the process of decay once the body is dead.  They 
release gases which can cause the buoyancy of the body to increase, and float.

Erin



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