While explaining this subject I can't help but remember the crayola crayons we received growing up that had the famous darker red color labeled: "CLAY RED".  Many of our customers can relate to this reference when describing the soils.  Whether you live in Noble, Norman, Yukon, Shawnee or Stillwater you likely have also had to try and clean the enduring stains out of your carpets.  

Many refer to this soil as Clay but actually the soil in Oklahoma is PORT.  The color in the soil is caused by the breakdown of the rock or strata beneath the topsoil layers.  Oxidation from water or air can create a breakdown effect we are use to seeing on an old chain or a corroded water pipe.  The soil beneath our PORT soil is the clay rich strata that breaks down through weatherization, heat, compression and it is full of iron.  Soils with high iron content tend to have a red color to it.  This can be found all over the United States.  This also helps explain why you see the change of terrain in Lawton, Cache, Elgin, Meers and Copperton you are in a different soil type.  The Wichita Mountains have concentrations of limestone and this reveals different colors as they breakdown.  

While all of this information helps identify the different reasons for soil colors in Oklahoma it does not describe why some customers experience foundation movement and others nearly a stones throw away do not.  All soil types react differently to temperature, moisture levels and pressure.  A thorough evaluation will help describe the reasons a foundation problem is occuring.  

If you have any questions regarding foundation settlement problems please feel free to call us at 1-405-213-0492.  Or visit us at www.vestafoundationsolutions.com for more information.

Credits:

Kenneth S. Johnson; Oklahoma Geological Survey Study published 2008

Jennifer Namec; Grit.com article; http://www.grit.com/departments/topsoil-color-explained