Warming Issues
For glacial archaeologists and others, climate change-induced melting is increasing yields, but the same artifacts are decomposing faster as a result. What gives? It’s because the ice and permafrost melt, exposing the artifacts that were previously protected from weathering processes. Because of these factors, the material may begin to break down.
Arrowheads, for example, will lose their sheaths within a year of exposure. When it comes to wrapping things in silk, the same thing happens. After about ten years, the bone begins to degenerate.So in a nutshell, where it provides archaeologists rare opportunities to discover and study ancient bodies, it also carries the risk of much rapid decomposition.