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Quicksand is caused by a solution of soil and water that appears to be a solid but when pressure is applied, it liquifies and supports no weight. The way to escape from it is to lay flat as possible and try to reamin as close to the surface as possible. Just like in water, you can float your way out of it. See the related link for more information.

Basically, it forms when...

  1. just the right amount of water is under a mass of a combination of sand and other material such as clay.
  2. The water lubricates the sand particles while the clay prevents it from moving further underground.
    • twigs and leaves can gather on the surface, making it difficult to distinguish from the surrounding environment
    • kicking is the worst thing you can do if your ever stuck in quicksand since it shuffles the water around, making more space for you to fall through
    • as they've proven on mythbusters and on several other occasions, it is not possible to completely sink in quicksand due to it's viscosity and your buoyancy (assuming your not carrying a brick of lead or anything really heavy.)
  3. This renderes the seemingly solid sand to remain stable until any significant pressure is applied (eg. a person), then it almost instantly goes into a semi-solid state that supports very little weight



Quicksand is a colloid hydrogel consisting of fine granular matter (such as sand or silt), clay, and salt water. In the name, as in that of quicksilver (Mercury), "quick" does not mean "fast," but "living" (cf. the expression the quick and the dead).

Water circulation underground can focus in an area with the optimal mixture of fine sands and other materials such as clay. The water moves up and then down slowly in a convection-like manner throughout a column of sand, and the sand remains a generally solid mass. This lubricates the sand particles and renders them unable to support significant weight, since they move with little friction, behaving more like a liquid when exposed to stress. Since water does not usually go up to the surface of the sand, the sand on top appears solid, and can support leaves and other small debris, making quicksand difficult to distinguish from the surrounding environment.

How To eScApE?

Quicksand has a density of about 2 grams per milliliter. But human density is only about 1 gram per milliliter. At that level of density, sinking in quicksand is impossible. You would descend about up to your waist, but you'd go no further.

Even objects with a higher density than quicksand will float on it-until they move. Aluminum, for example, has a density of about 2.7 grams per milliliter. But a piece of aluminum will float on top of quicksand until motion causes the sand to liquefy.

During their study, researchers placed an aluminum bead on top of a container of laboratory-created quicksand. At rest, the bead remained on the surface, despite aluminum's higher density.

But then scientists started shaking the container. When they shook it only a little, the bead stayed floating on top. But when they shook the container a bit harder, the ball descended to the bottom.

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15y ago

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Related Questions

Can you escape quicksand?

no. only if someone pulls you up.


What are the ratings and certificates for Quicksand No Escape - 1992 TV?

Quicksand No Escape - 1992 TV is rated/received certificates of: Argentina:13 Australia:M Iceland:12 UK:PG USA:PG-13


How dangerous is quicksand?

Quicksand is dangerous because you can't escape from it by moving around like crazy. By doing that, you'll sink quicker 'till the point it engulf you alive. The only way to escape is to get a stable vine to pull you out.


What are the release dates for Quicksand No Escape - 1992 TV?

Quicksand No Escape - 1992 TV was released on: USA: 4 March 1992 Japan: 1993 (video premiere) Portugal: January 1993 (video premiere)


What does quicksand feel like?

Quicksand feels like loose sand mixed with water, creating a thick, viscous mixture that can trap you. When you step into quicksand, you may sink slowly as the mixture engulfs your feet and legs, making it difficult to move and escape.


How can you escape from quicksand or a tar pit?

Do not struggle. Use slow swimming movements, float on top and roll to solid ground.And never roll over and dont let your face hit the quicksand.


What is at the bottom of quicksand?

At the bottom of quicksand is typically a solid surface, such as rock or clay. Quicksand itself is just loose sand mixed with water that creates a fluid-like state. If you find yourself in quicksand, it's important to stay calm and slowly try to float or spread your weight to escape.


What happens when you're under quicksand?

When you're in quicksand, your body displaces the water in the sand and causes it to lose its ability to support your weight. As a result, you sink further into the quicksand. However, quicksand is not as dangerous as it is often portrayed in movies, and it is possible to float in quicksand if you stay calm and spread your body weight over a larger surface area.


Can quicksand suck you down?

Quicksand can trap you due to its high viscosity and density, making it difficult to escape. Contrary to popular belief, quicksand will not rapidly suck you down like in movies; instead, you will typically float in it because your body is less dense than the quicksand. However, struggling can cause you to sink further, so it's best to stay calm and slowly make your way to safety.


What is a difference in the quicksand in the beach and the quicksand caused by an earthquake?

Quicksand on the beach is generally caused by water saturating loose sand, creating a sinkable mixture. Quicksand caused by an earthquake is typically a result of liquefaction, where the ground becomes like a liquid due to shaking, potentially trapping individuals or objects. Both can be dangerous, but the causes differ.


Why do they call it quicksand if you sink slow?

The term "quicksand" is a bit misleading. While it may appear that sinking is slow, it is actually quite difficult to escape once you are trapped in it. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink, hence the danger of being stuck in quicksand.


What is the best way to escape if caugh in quicksand?

Don't struggle and you will float because your body is less dense than quick sand.