Why Do Corpses Float? - Science ABC

Initially, a body will likely sink to the bottom of a body of water, but as it decompose, the body will bloat and the air will cause corpse to rise back to the surface as a result of buoyancy.

Imagine that you’re going for a swim down at your local watering hole. The summer sun is shining, and the weather is perfect for a dip in the lake. However, when you arrive, to your absolute horror, you find a dead body floating in the middle of the water!

As terrifying as this would be, there are a few interesting observations there. The first of which is that the corpse is floating. When this happens in your favorite crime drama, and the TV detectives always find the corpse floating in the water… but why?

Recommended Video for you:

Rigor Mortis, Livor Mortis, Pallor Mortis, Algor Mortis: Forensic Science Explains Stages of Death

Tag » Why Do Dead Bodies Float