Badlands
Eroded terrain of steep slopes and sparse vegetation.
Badlands are a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay-rich soils have been extensively eroded. They are characterized by steep slopes, minimal vegetation, lack of a substantial regolith, and high drainage density. Ravines, gullies, buttes, hoodoos and other such geologic forms are common in badlands.
Quick Facts
- Franchise
- Tribes
- Genre
- First-person shooter (team-based, objective modes)
- Core movement mechanic
- Sustained boost (jetpack-style vertical and horizontal thrust)
- Visual style
- Low-poly, faceted sci-fi terrain
- Key weapon interaction
- Tag (slow) + Bomb (kill) combo
- Terrain type
- Eroded rock formations
- canyons
- open plateaus
Lore & Background
Badlands are found on every continent except Antarctica, being most common where there are unconsolidated sediments. Most are a result of natural processes, but destruction of vegetation by overgrazing or pollution can produce anthropogenic badlands. The word badlands is a calque from the Canadian French phrase 'mauvaises terres', as the early French fur traders called the White River badlands 'bad lands to traverse', perhaps influenced by the Lakota people who referred to the terrain as 'bad land' or 'eroded land'.
Reader's Guide
Badlands are generally unsuitable for agriculture. They are often difficult to navigate by foot. Attempts have been made to remediate badlands, such as reforestation in the Garbeta badlands of Eastern India and revegetation in the black marl badlands of the French Alps.
Did You Know?
- Badlands have a very high drainage density of 77 to 747 mi/sqmi.
- The White River draining Badlands National Park was named for its heavy load of bentonite clay eroded from the badlands.
- The Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon, Ontario, are an example of badlands produced by poor farming practices.
- In Italy, badlands are called 'calanchi'.
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