Sketchy little sequence from Fraser Island off Queensland, Australia where a woman becomes trapped by quicksand in a matter of seconds. Quicksand may seem like a corny movie trope from a bygone era but the phenomena is very much real and can be quite dangerous. Quicksand or Sinking Sand forms in saturated loose sand when the sand is suddenly agitated. Luckily this woman was not alone and was quickly pulled to safety but there’s no telling what the outcome would have been if she was solo. Be careful if you come across scenes like this, danger may be lurking.
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Quicksand is a fascinating natural phenomenon that has captivated human imagination for centuries. Here are some quick facts about quicksand:
- Definition: Quicksand is a loose, saturated mixture of fine sand and water that behaves like a viscous fluid. It can be found in various locations, such as riverbanks, coastal areas, and marshes.
- Formation: Quicksand forms when water saturates sand and reduces the friction between sand particles, causing them to lose their ability to support weight.
- Dangerous Myth: Contrary to popular belief, quicksand is not a living entity that sucks people in. It is not capable of pulling someone under completely. Instead, quicksand creates a suction effect due to its high water content, making it difficult for people or objects to escape.
- Density: Quicksand is denser than the human body, so when someone steps into it, their weight causes them to sink. However, the depth to which a person sinks depends on their body density and the quicksand’s thickness.
- Floatation: Contrary to sinking, some individuals can float in quicksand due to the principle of buoyancy. If the trapped person relaxes and spreads their body surface area, they might float to the surface.
- Escaping: The key to escaping quicksand is to avoid struggling, which can increase suction and make it harder to escape. Instead, it is recommended to slowly and gently move towards solid ground by laying on your back and using slow movements.
- Rare Occurrence: Quicksand is relatively rare and is not encountered frequently in everyday life. However, it remains a popular trope in literature, movies, and adventure stories.