Terrain of North Dakota: Prairies, Moraines, Rivers & Badlands

North Dakota's landscape is predominantly flat to rolling prairie, averaging ~1,900 ft elevation. Glacial activity shaped the terrain, leaving north-south moraines (sediment ridges) that create gentle undulations. The eastern side is lower; the highest point is White Butte (3,506 ft) in the southwest.

River Systems

• Red River of the North: forms eastern border, flows north to Canada
• Souris River & James River: flow south into the Missouri River

These rivers have carved valleys and coulees, adding ruggedness.

Badlands

Western areas feature steep, eroded hills and buttes formed from soft sedimentary rocks (sandstone, shale).

Overall: flat/rolling prairie with moraines, river valleys, and badlands.