The soil and water chemistry in the Rio Zulia, Venezuela are such that the clay remains in stable suspension in the river.

Rio Zulia flood control dike. Sink holes and channels formed by movement of dispersive clays with the seepage water are common.

Piping channel in a small dam in Australia. The dispersive nature of this soil led to its movement with the seepage water which then concentrated to form the hole.

Schematic diagram illustrating the formation of erosion tunnels in clay dams containing dispersive clay.

Downstream slope of Grenada Dam in Mississippi.

Erosion tunnel in the slope of Grenada Dam in Mississippi caused by the removal of dispersive clay. The hole diameter is about 24 inches.

The crest of Big San Creek Site 8 Dam in Mississippi contains many dispersive clay erosion channels.

Closer view of the vertical erosion channels in Big Sand Creek Dam

Breach in Upper Clear Boggy Creek Site 50 Dam in Oklahoma. Looking downstream.

Looking upstream after the breach of Upper Clear Boggy Creek Dam.

Note erosion tunnel in the breach of Upper Clear Boggy Creek Dam.

Close up view of the erosion tunnel in the dispersive clay of Upper Clear Boggy Creek Dam in Oklahoma.

Three erosion tunnels in a small dam in Australia that contained dispersive clay.

“Badlands” topography formed by erosion of dispersive clay slope.

Eroded road cut in dispersive sandy clay in Mississippi. Note the alluvial fan of sand that was left behind.

Badlands of South Dakota. Dispersive clay has played a role in their development.