What is quicksand, and where is it usually found?
by 
Kate Walker
ANSWERS: 1
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Quicksand is liquefied soil, which is ordinary sand that has been oversaturated to the point that the friction between sand particles has been reduced. Quicksand forms in two ways, from flowing underground water and from earthquakes. Underground water flow pushes soil against gravity, causing the sand to be separated and therefore unable to hold any weight placed on it. With the shaking ground associated with earthquakes, underground water liquefies the soil, sometimes causing buildings to fall. Liquefaction is the basis for quicksand formation, and can occur wherever underground water is present. Therefore, quicksand is found near bodies of water (whether above or below ground) such as at river deltas or near shores. It does NOT occur in the desert, because of lack of water! Quicksand is found most anywhere water and sand mix every day. Good places to find quicksand are on ocean coasts, near sandy creek beds and area of sand over an impervious clay substructure. Another good place to find quicksand is in hilly country with abundant caves and underground springs lurking beneath.
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