![]() ![]() Many people are surprised to learn that quicksand does not exist in the desert. The friction between the millions of sand particles creates a stable surface to walk, run and play on. Dry sand can support your body weight with no problem. If you have ever visited a beach, you already have some experience with sand friction. Once the sand liquefies, it loses its strength and ability to support heavy objects, such as a person standing on its surface. This means the sand begins to act more like a liquid than a solid. Vibrations caused by agitation and excess water reduce the friction that normally occurs between sand particles. Quicksand forms when water saturates an area of loose sand and the sand is agitated by flowing underground water or earthquakes. Although this goopy mixture of water and sand may appear solid, it cannot support weight very well. When water saturates an area of loose sand, you get quicksand. Under the right conditions, you can find it anywhere. Saturated means the sand is soaked through and through. It may have a fancy name, but quicksand is basically just ordinary sand saturated with water. What are we talking about? Quicksand, of course! What's going on? Is the ground really trying to pull you in? You start to get a sinking feeling, because you know you've come across the topic of today's Wonder. Have you ever been out for a hike and stopped at a sandy spot by the water to take a picture? As you rustle through your backpack, you notice something happening.the solid ground you were standing on is not solid at all. ![]()
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