Expert: Walter Hintz - 8/8/2007

Question
Dear sir,

I am wondering how long different biological (and chemical) processes take? I'm looking for a general timeframe, and, if possible the factors that may influence each of the following processes:

decomposition
-of plants
-of animal/human bodies

eating/digestion
-of vegetable
-of meat

excretion

ocean absorption of co2

Erosion


and chemical ones:
combustion
fossilization
volcanic eruption

I'm a graphic designer working on visual explanations of the different processes and would be very grateful for some general numbers (or specific examples), which i can use to explore the different visualizations.

thank you for your help
Annegrete

Answer
Hi Annegrete
Of course time is relative and I can only speak in generalizations.
 Decomposition of plant and animals depends upon environmental factors like temperature and presence of decomposers as well as the size. Organic breakdown can take from a few days to months.

Digestion usually takes one or two hours

Excretion is continuously carried out by the kidney

Gas absorption is also

Erosion can occur instantly when water is flowing
Wind erosion can take hundreds of years.

Combustion is oxidation. With fire it is instant. Otherwise it can move slowly for years

Fossilization takes millions of years

The actual eruption of a volcano occurs within minutes but the buildup can take centuries

I hope I have helped a little