High-resolution environmental variability during decomposition in a UK humid temperate climate

Environmental conditions play a critical role in decomposition processes and the estimation of the post mortem interval. However, access to high-resolution environmental datasets within forensic taphonomy remains limited. This study presents hourly environmental measurements recorded during the decomposition of Sus scrofa domesticus in a UK humid temperate climate between May and August 2021. Environmental variables were collected using a Steinberg Systems SBS-WS-100 weather station and include temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, wind direction, dew point, wind chill, and rainfall. Data was recorded continuously at hourly intervals throughout the decomposition period to capture environmental variability influencing decomposition processes. Environmental conditions varied throughout the study period, with fluctuations in temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall reflecting seasonal variation typical of the UK climate. These findings highlight the variability of environmental conditions during decomposition and reinforce the importance of high-resolution environmental monitoring in PMI estimation. The dataset has been made publicly available and supports further research in forensic taphonomy, including comparative studies and modelling approaches.