Abstract Normally, when geoscientific methods are involved in forensic investigations, they are used to search for and excavate buried bodies. Recently, geoscientific methods have become relevant to not only finding the perpetrators in homicide cases including those in which there are buried bodies, but also in cases involving crimes against the environment, cultural sites and vandalism. Additionally, there are cases in which the discovery of an unexpected burial complicates an investigation. Analytical techniques developed throughout the twentieth century form the basis for recent advances that allow for the forensic geosciences to aid in such investigations. Case examples that demonstrate these advances will be presented.