How long does it take for wood to decay in a flood layer? |
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How long does it take for wood to decay in a flood layer? |
 Jun 3 2017, 08:10 PM
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Rock Bar!  Group: Members Posts: 563 Joined: 13-June 15 From: South of Gunnison in Gold Basin, Saguache County Member No.: 120,659  |
I'm always curious when I'm pulling out sticks and branches from 3 ft deep in a flood layer.
Does anyone know how long pieces of wood would last submerged in conditions like that? Would it tend to decay faster or slower? Is it an indication as to the age of the layer at all? I've noticed its always the top flood layer I find that in. -------------------- Level 2 member -12/25/16
Referral code JL697 |
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Jun 3 2017, 10:35 PM
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Shovel Buster! Group: Members Posts: 171 Joined: 19-October 14 From: Denver Member No.: 118,315 |
Usually wood will decay slower, when covered in wet mud or clay. As long as the soil/mud is to wet for soil bacteria (compost). And low acid.
Some people go out and find 100 year old trees in the rivers used by old logging operations. The wood is sold for a high prices, and makes good quality wood products. Some wood support poles that were used for mining copper near Michigan, have been dated to 2,000 B.C. or older. Hope that helps put it into perspective!  -------------------- Thankful member of COLORADO PROSPECTOR CLUB
Level 2 Joined Oct. 19th 2014 (pay member since Apr. 1st 2015) Referral code: DS531 "Like a fine gemstone, the mind is more beautiful when it is open and free to receive the light." - (Dave's ramblings 52 : 80 ) |
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Jun 4 2017, 02:38 PM
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Rock Bar! Group: Members Posts: 563 Joined: 13-June 15 From: South of Gunnison in Gold Basin, Saguache County Member No.: 120,659 |
Yeah that makes sense and the same for old sunken ships I guess. I hadn't thought about that.
So as far as i know those sticks could have been buried that deep during the last ice age very possibly, and are just being preserved in the right environment. That's crazy to think about... 
-------------------- Level 2 member -12/25/16
Referral code JL697 |
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