Badlands

Badlands are rugged, often striking landscapes characterized by steep slopes, sharp ridges, and deep, narrow valleys. They form through intense erosion by water and wind acting on soft, layered sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils. Over time, these forces carve intricate patterns and dramatic features, creating a stark, arid environment with limited vegetation. Badlands are valued for their unique geology, rich fossil deposits, and striking scenery, often found in areas like South Dakota’s Badlands National Park. They showcase the natural process of land sculpting over thousands of years, revealing layers of Earth's history in their complex formations.