A Study of Forensic Geomorphology and its use in Forensic Science

Geomorphology is an important field in geo-forensics, particularly in searching for surface or buried objects and collecting evidence at crime scenes. While other geoscience disciplines have been extensively studied in forensic investigations, geomorphology has not received as much attention. This is surprising considering the crucial role that the location and evolution of a crime scene play in legal inquiries. This article aims to address this imbalance by highlighting the historical and on-going relevance of geomorphology in forensics, including sociology, archaeology, criminalistics, and geo-forensics. The use of aerial photography to interpret landscapes and save time in locating a hidden grave is presented as an example. Additionally, the application of geomorphology in military/humanitarian geography and environmental/engineering forensics, which are also frequently evaluated in courts, is briefly discussed.