The length of time that a piece of driftwood has been floating can vary greatly, depending on various factors such as its size, shape, and the water it is floating in.
In general, small pieces of wood may only float for weeks or months before they sink to the bottom of the body of water. Larger pieces, however, could potentially stay afloat for years or even decades if conditions are suitable.
Some examples:
- Small sticks and twigs: weeks or months
- Medium-sized logs: months to several years
- Large tree trunks: 1-10+ years
It’s also worth noting that the lifespan of driftwood can be affected by factors such as weather, currents, underwater vegetation, and marine life.