The flat grasslands of Western Canada are called "the prairies." Much of Canada's famous wheat is grown there. But there are places where the rich prairies turn to dust. These areas are called "badlands."

Badlands are barren places. 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.

How do prairies become badlands? 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. And without plants to soak up the water, heavy rains wash away more of the dirt.

Canada's most famous badlands area is found in Alberta's Dinosaur Provincial Park. Dinosaurs once called this area home. Hundreds of ancient bones from dinosaurs and other animals have been dug up here. Because big animals once lived in the area, maybe the badlands weren't always so bad!