Place

Rivulet Erosion

Sedimentary rock with river like channels carved into it by erosion
Sedimentary rock eroded by rain

The pattern on the hillside is rivulet erosion. Rain carves a maze of channels over the face of the butte. These narrow rills merge to form a network of larger channels. Rivulet erosion is one of many never ending systems of erosion taking place in the badlands. With each rain shower, the land changes shape.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Last updated: September 2, 2025