Bentonite

Bentonite clay Slide

Quick Facts

Location:

Caprock Coulee Trail

The blue-grey sediment on the hillside across the coulee is bentonite clay. Bentonite contains volcanic ash and is common throughout the badlands. It can absorb several times its volume in water and has many industrial uses. After heavy rains or when soaked by melting snow, it expands and flows down hillsides. Notice the wildlife trails crossing the steep bentonite slope.