If you're a metal detecting enthusiast, you know that the search for lost metals can reveal true treasures. However, a common question among detectorists is, "How long does it take for an object to become buried?"

This isn't a simple question to answer, as it can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the environment, weather conditions, human activity, and the nature of the object itself.

In this article, we'll explore how objects become buried in the ground and the depths metal detectors can reach. Let's dive in!

Factors Influencing Object Burial

Metal detecting goes beyond just finding lost objects; it's also about understanding the factors that influence how objects get buried. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.

Erosion: It is the natural process of the land wearing away due to agents like water, wind, and ice, which can gradually deposit layers of soil over exposed objects, burying them over time.

Sedimentation: It refers to the process where sand and soil particles gradually deposit in a specific area, forming layers over time. In metal detecting, sedimentation plays a crucial role in burying objects.

Human activities: Such as building roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, can result in soil accumulation over objects. Earth movement during construction or agriculture can also contribute to the burial of objects.

Natural Phenomena: In some cases, natural events like landslides, floods, or geological occurrences can quickly deposit significant amounts of soil, burying objects in a short time.

U.S. Weather and Soil Conditions

In the United States, weather and soil conditions can vary dramatically from region to region, influencing how quickly objects become buried. For instance:

• Desert Regions: Minimal rainfall and low erosion rates mean objects can remain exposed for long periods—though flash floods may rapidly bury them.
• Forested Areas: Dense vegetation and rainfall contribute to organic matter buildup, leading to quicker object burial.
• Coastal Areas: Shifting sands and tidal movements quickly cover or uncover objects; storms can alter landscapes dramatically.
• Plains and Farmlands: Agricultural activity, combined with wind and water erosion, can both expose and bury objects over time.

So, How Long Does it Take for an Object to Become Buried?

The time required for an object to become buried can vary widely, from a few years to thousands. In arid environments, objects may stay exposed for millennia. In high-sedimentation areas, they can be buried rapidly.

According to researchers at the University of Michigan, human activity causes 10 times more erosion than natural processes. Agriculture and construction accelerate soil displacement, leading to faster object burial.

Examples of Buried Objects

Medieval Coin: In 2022, Michael Leigh-Mallory found a 13th-century coin buried 3.94 inches deep in agricultural land in Hemyock, England. Source: SPINK&SON/BNPS

The Gaskins Pirate Treasure: In 2014, silver coins linked to pirate Blackbeard were found on Oak Island, NC, buried under coastal sediments.

Objects on Brazilian Beaches: Paulo César Júnior and Nádia Moreira, hobbyist detectorists in Santos, Brazil, found items like an iPhone 11 buried 11.81 inches deep and a drone in the sea. Source: G1

Saddle Ridge Hoard: In 2013, a couple in California unearthed 1,427 gold coins dating from 1847 to 1894. The find is valued at over $10 million. Source: Kagin's, Inc. / AP Photo

Qing Dynasty Coin: In 2023, a relic hunter found a coin just 1.18 inches deep. It was later identified as a Qing Dynasty coin from 1750–1780.

Spanish Gold Coin: A rare 1715 Spanish gold coin was found on a Florida beach in 2020—part of a treasure fleet lost in a hurricane.

Ready to Become a Detectorist?

In this guide, we've seen how various factors influence object burial. Whether it's natural forces or human activity, each story buried beneath our feet is waiting to be found.

With Minelab metal detectors, you’ll have the best technology to start your treasure-hunting journey. Explore nature, embrace the thrill, and uncover history!