ABSTRACT
Interpretation of postmortem, taphonomic processes in some outdoor scenes requires an understanding of geological processes and features. Geomorphologically induced microenvironments coupled with the taphonomic overprint of decomposition processes produce differential preservation, transport of body parts, and perimortem trauma. Remains deposited within vertical caves, in particular, are generally isolated from surface taphonomic processes such as weather and scavengers, but subjected to subsurface, geological taphonomy (Brain, 1975, 1981; Oliver, 1989). These variables provide limits and challenges to the interpretation of postmortem intervals, commingling, and evidence of the cause of death, as well as to the technical issues of scene processing and recovery of remains.
