Vertisols (from Latin verto, "turn") are clay-rich soils that shrink and swell with changes in moisture content. During dry periods, the soil volume shrinks, and deep wide cracks form. The soil volume then expands as it wets up. This shrink/swell action creates serious engineering problems and generally prevents formation of distinct, well-developed horizons in these soils.

Globally, Vertisols occupy ~2.4% of the ice-free land area. In the US, they ccupy ~2.0% of the land area and occur primarily in Texas.

Vertisols are divided into 6 suborders: Aquerts, Cryerts, Xererts, Torrerts, Usterts, and Uderts. Click here for more information about these suborders. Click here to view a map of their distribution in the US.