Graveyard curiousity

[AngloScot]

When a coffin is buried, does it sink further into the ground after time?

[grandpapa]

To my understanding , it does not sink in any further. After time, the coffin and the content of it (the body of the person) will turn into dust (soil). I hope I answered your question. :)

[Oor Wullie]

The coffin will eventually rot away as will the body. If you are walking in a cemetery and you see a dip in the ground that tells you that a coffin has rotted away and the soil has dropped.

Will

Ex Gravedigger.

[Ouisch]

In the US, anyway, coffins are placed inside concrete burial vaults before they are planted in the ground.  I believe this prevents any sinkage, and keeps the ground from caving in once the casket disintegrates.  Here is a photo essay of sorts showing the burial procedure:

http://www.funeralplan.com/products/vaultphoto.html

[smudge]

That's precisely why I wish to be cremated!

[booksworth]

I don't think the coffin sinks, but anywhere there's soil the surface of the gound rises, due to the action of the local flora & fauna. That's why the past is always (or mostly) underground.