Where does quicksand naturally occur?

Most quicksand occurs in settings where there are natural springs, either at the base of alluvial fans (cone-shaped bodies of sand and gravel formed by rivers flowing from mountains), along riverbanks or on beaches at low tide. In such cases, the loose packing is maintained by the upward movement of water.

What causes quicksand to form?

Quicksand is a colloid consisting of fine granular material (such as sand, silt or clay) and water. It forms in saturated loose sand when the sand is suddenly agitated. When water in the sand cannot escape, it creates a liquefied soil that loses strength and cannot support weight.

Can quicksand be found in forests?

That is why quicksand is more around lakes, forests, river valleys or beaches. However, in the desert one can find quicksand near natural wells or near shallow underground water.

What areas are most prone to quicksand?

Places where quicksand is most likely to occur include:

• Riverbanks.
• Beaches.
• Lake shorelines.
• Near underground springs.
• Marshes.

Can you get out of quicksand?

Real quicksand is certainly hard to get out of, but it doesn’t suck people under the way it always seems to in the movies. According to a study published in the current issue of the journal Nature, it is impossible for a person immersed in quicksand to be drawn completely under. The fact is, humans float in the stuff.

What causes quicksand in the desert?

Contrary to what you may have seen in movies, quicksand is not actually often found in the desert. Why? Because in order for quicksand to form, there needs to be water present. Flowing water underground agitates the sand, which can create quicksand.

Can quicksand happen in the desert?

Contrary to what you may have seen in movies, quicksand is not actually often found in the desert. Flowing water underground agitates the sand, which can create quicksand. So quicksand is generally located near riverbanks, marshes, and beaches.

How do you identify quicksand?

Awareness is key!

1. Know Quicksand Danger Zones: Be on the lookout for quicksand around wet terrain near riverbanks, lakes, swamps, marshes, tidal flats, glaciers, or underground springs.
2. Eye Your Terrain: If water is bubbling up from below the ground, you may have stumbled upon some quicksand.