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 whether the structures in the
Little Badlands are 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.