Why is badlands terrain dissected by many gullies?
Badlands are intricately dissected landscapes with dense small valleys in easily eroded material and sparse vegetation. Not every bare hill qualifies; the network of gullies is characteristic.
Rain and weak material
Brief heavy rain produces surface runoff. Clay, silt or weakly cemented beds are cut into channels that join and divide slopes. Drying and weathering can weaken rock as well. Sparse vegetation reduces protection from roots and ground cover. The process is not limited to arid climates; material and rainfall pattern matter together.
Why does the landscape change quickly?
A storm can redirect small channels, and loose slopes reshape through minor failures. Sedimentary beds may display varied colours, but colour alone does not establish age or rock type. Trails and vehicle tracks can concentrate runoff and accelerate erosion. Assessment combines slope, material and rainfall records.