Lake Superior, one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes globally, is known for its immense volume of cold, dark water. It holds more water than all other Great Lakes combined, reaching an average depth of 147 meters and a maximum of 406 meters. The unique conditions within Lake Superior significantly alter the natural process of human decomposition.
The Basic Process of Decomposition
Human decomposition typically begins immediately after death, starting with autolysis, or self-digestion, as cells break down due to a lack of oxygen and circulating blood. Following this, bacteria naturally present in the body, particularly in the gut, begin to multiply and consume tissues in a process called putrefaction. This bacterial activity produces various gases, which cause the body to bloat and can lead to strong, unpleasant odors. Subsequent stages involve the breakdown of soft tissues and significant mass loss, influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and oxygen availability.
Lake Superior’s Unique Environmental Factors
Lake Superior’s distinct environmental factors profoundly influence the rate and manner of decomposition. The lake’s deep waters maintain consistently low temperatures, often around 4°C (39°F) even in summer. This extreme cold drastically slows the metabolic activity of bacteria and the enzymatic reactions necessary for decomposition. Bacterial growth is significantly reduced in temperatures below 4°C, which inhibits the putrefaction process.
The immense water pressure at Lake Superior’s depths also plays a role. Increasing pressure compresses any gases within the body, which can prevent the bloating that typically occurs during decomposition. This compression further contributes to bodies remaining submerged rather than floating to the surface.
Furthermore, the deep waters of Lake Superior often have low oxygen levels, creating an anaerobic environment. Aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen for their metabolic processes, cannot thrive in these conditions, forcing decomposition to proceed via slower anaerobic pathways. This lack of oxygen further inhibits the rapid breakdown of tissues. The lake is also oligotrophic, meaning it has low nutrient levels, which inhibits bacterial growth.
The scarcity of large scavenging organisms in the deep, cold, and dark sections of Lake Superior also contributes to the preservation of remains. In warmer, shallower waters, scavengers can rapidly consume soft tissues, accelerating decomposition. While deep-sea scavengers exist in oceans, their presence and activity in Lake Superior’s depths are limited, meaning bodies are less likely to be disturbed or consumed. Although deep currents can move bodies, the primary factors governing decomposition are the chemical and biological conditions present.
The Fate of Bodies in Lake Superior
The combination of Lake Superior’s unique environmental factors results in a severe inhibition of the decomposition process, rather than a complete halt. Bodies submerged in the lake often experience an extraordinary slowing of decay. This phenomenon contributes to the saying that “Lake Superior seldom gives up her dead.”
One notable outcome of these conditions is the formation of adipocere, also known as “grave wax” or “corpse wax.” Adipocere is a waxy, soap-like substance that forms when body fat undergoes hydrolysis in a moist, anaerobic environment. This process effectively replaces soft tissues, preserving the body’s general form and features. Adipocere formation is favored by cold, wet, and oxygen-deprived conditions like those found in Lake Superior.
Bodies in Lake Superior tend to remain submerged rather than floating to the surface. The cold temperatures in Lake Superior inhibit the bacterial activity that generates these gases, preventing significant bloating. Additionally, the immense pressure at depth further compresses any gases that might form, reducing buoyancy and keeping the body on the lakebed.
Consequently, bodies in Lake Superior are often preserved, albeit transformed by adipocere. This unique preservation can result in remains staying largely intact for many decades or even longer. The cold, dark, and low-oxygen environment creates a natural state of preservation.