The important first step in any scientific study is to understand the questions that are going to be addressed. For the Little Badlands, the most important of these is: Are the structures in the Little Badlands the result of surficial or tectonic processes?
You will need to determine whether the structures you identify are the product of paleo-landslides or basin tectonics.
You need to start thinking about how you would distinguish landslide or slump scars from fault planes, or paleo-topography from synclines and anticlines. A question of secondary importance in the area is the provenance of the sedimentary units. What clues should you be looking for to help determine the origin and direction of transportation of the sediments?
The Study
Allan Ashworth
Acknowledgment: Web site and course info based on material developed by Allan Ashworth