Geomorphology studies genesis, distribution, reciprocal relationships and evolution of the shapes of erosion and accumulation of the terrestrial relief and the deposits connected to them. The main objective of this discipline is to outline a complete picture of the physical characteristics of a given territory from the moment of its formation up to our times, also predicting its future space-time evolution.

In this perspective, geomorphology can provide an important key to interpreting the earth's physical environment and often represents a basic cognitive approach in framing problems related to the interaction between anthropogenic structures (roads, buildings, tunnels, bridges, dams, etc.) and the surrounding territory where they are included.

These problems are amplified and can cause damage to people and property if the structural works are designed and built in an unsuitable geomorphological context because it is affected by landslides, floods, sinking, accelerated erosion, etc. 

For these reasons, geomorphology can therefore be an important investigative tool also in forensic field, like other disciplines of Earth Sciences such as: applied geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, geotechnics, hydrogeology, geophysics, etc.

A correct approach for the direct acquisition of soil data, according to the methodologies and techniques of geomorphological survey, often offers a decisive contribution to the framing and resolution of legal disputes.