Marine clay is a type of clay found in coastal regions around the world. In the northern, deglaciated regions, it can sometimes be quick clay, which is notorious for being involved in landslides.

Clay particles are the original nanotechnology. They can self-assemble into various configurations, each with totally different properties.

When clay is deposited in the ocean, the excess ions allow a loose, open structure that is open to water infiltration. Once stranded and dried by ancient, changing ocean levels, it becomes a geotechnical engineering challenge. [1]

When investigating the market, the potential homeowner should always be on the lookout for geologic hazards. Marine clay (swelling clay) has the potential to destroy the foundation in only a few years. Some simple precautions, however, can reduce the hazard significantly.