The subject of geomorphology is the surface forms of the earth and the processes that lead to their formation, further development and destruction, always with a view to a spatially integrative approach to the reconstruction of landscape genesis. The focus here is particularly on recording the spatial variability of erosion and accumulation of sediments as well as the dynamics of shaping processes. Geomorphology is therefore a core discipline of physical geography; at the same time, there are fruitful overlaps with sedimentology and Quaternary geology. Using geomorphological field and laboratory methods, retrospective-palaeogeographic as well as actuo-geomorphodynamic and prospective statements on landscape development can be derived.

The research and teaching area Natural Hazard Research and Geoarchaeology at the Institute of Geography at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Head: Prof. Dr. Andreas Vött ) focuses on the geomorphological-sedimentological recording, analysis and evaluation of extreme natural events and their significance for relief genesis. These include landslides, storm events, flood events along rivers, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. In ancient cultural landscapes, the strongly interdisciplinary investigation of past human-environment interactions plays an important role. Key geoarchaeological questions, which are dealt with jointly with the disciplines of archaeology and ancient history, are, for example, the extent to which natural factors influenced the course of civilization across the earth on the one hand, and the extent to which human activity changed or destroyed natural conditions on the other. There are close links to the M.Sc. course in Climate and Environmental Change, which was introduced at the Institute of Geography at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz in the winter semester 2010/11.

Current research focuses on paleotsunami research and geoarchaeological issues in the Mediterranean region and Central Europe. The working group has a wide range of drilling equipment and instruments for topographical surveying and geophysical prospection. At the same time, the geo-laboratory of the Institute of Geography is assigned to it, where geoecological analyses are carried out in addition to geomorphological analyses.