They were first formed by melting glaciers and prehistoric rivers. Southern Alberta is home to many of Canada's badlands. In the badlands of Alberta, life is very harsh. Every day the earth bakes under a hot sun. Plants thirst for a few drops of water.
Animals struggle to find food to eat.
The land is cracked and dry. For one thing, they may lack good soil. The good soil has been swept away by water and the prairie winds. Nothing much but clay and rock remains. With the soil gone, few plants can survive.