
Mudcracks (also known as desiccation cracks or mud cracks) are sedimentary structures formed as muddy sediment dries and contracts. Crack formation also occurs in clayey soils as a result of a reduction in water content.
== Formation ==
Naturally forming mudcracks start as wet, muddy sediment desiccates, causing contraction. A strain is developed because the top layer tries to shrink while the material below stays the same size. When this strain becomes large enough, channel cracks form in the desiccated surface material, relieving the strain. Individual cracks spread and join up formin...