What is Quicksand?

Quicksand is a phenomenon that occurs when loose sand or other material becomes so saturated with water that it can barely support the weight of a human. It’s a type of sand that behaves almost like a liquid and can be extremely dangerous. Quicksand is a type of sand that can become unstable when pressure is introduced such as a human stepping into it. This can cause them to become stuck, risking their life as they slowly sink deeper and deeper into the sand.

When Does Quicksand Form?

Quicksand is commonly associated with tropical settings such as beaches but it can occur in any non-solidified soil. It’s created when regular sand or soil has been completely saturated with water so that all of the particles are no longer able to support the weight of a person or object. This is more likely to form in areas where there is regularly water moving over and through the sand, like a riverbed or where there are underground springs.

How to Avoid Quicksand

The key to avoiding quicksand is to recognize it before it’s too late. Once a person is caught in quicksand, it can be extremely difficult to escape and they may have to rely on outside help to do so. Quicksand typically looks like any other sand or soil and can be hard to distinguish from safe areas, particularly at night. Some signs that it could be present are areas where the water level is surprisingly low and when the sand is dispersive and can not support basic weight. The best way to avoid quicksand is to know the terrain you’re traveling in and to check for signs of quicksand before treading into an area.