badlands

Badlands are dry, heavily eroded landscapes characterized by sharp ridges, deep gullies, and exposed rock. They develop on soft sedimentary rocks such as claystones, shales, and siltstones that crack and erode quickly in rain and wind. The terrain often features buttes, pinnacles, and hoodoos with little vegetation. Soils are typically thin and poorly suited to farming, contributing to the traditional association of the term with difficult travel and cultivation.

Geology and paleontology: The exposed strata record deposits from rivers, floodplains, and inland seas dating from the late Cretaceous to early Paleogene. Erosion reveals layered rocks and creates dramatic topography. Badlands frequently host fossil-rich beds yielding mammal, reptile, and plant remains that provide insight into ancient ecosystems.

Locations: The best-known badlands are in North America, notably Badlands National Park in South Dakota. The Canadian Badlands in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan form another prominent region with protected areas and interpretive sites. The term is also used in other arid and semi-arid regions worldwide to describe similarly eroded landscapes.

Conservation and use: Many badland areas are designated as national or provincial parks or reserves. They attract visitors for geology, paleontology, and scenic value, while preservation efforts emphasize preventing erosion damage and maintaining fragile habitats.