The aim of this study is to discuss the mechanisms that determine the occurrence of badland forms in a subhumid mountain area in the Vallcebre area, southeastern Pyrenees, that has been subjected to detailed studies on physical weathering
and vegetation dynamics. Special attention is paid to the amounts of energy available for the main geomorphic agents (rainfall, freezing, clay shrinking) as well as to the explication of the preferred occurence of badland surfaces in north facing aspects.