Attention, quicksand! How it sucks the sand off the shore. What are quicksands and how to survive in them Why are coastal quicksands dangerous

The most insidious quicksand In Alaska there is a fjord 60 kilometers long, consisting of quicksand. On different continents, there are sea beaches, which at high tide turn into a muddy mess that sucks everything in a row. Stripes of sandy beaches along the shores From the book 3333 tricky questions and answers author Kondrashov Anatoly Pavlovich

What is quicksand and why is it dangerous? There are many cases when people became victims of the so-called quicksand. It is easy to see something mystical in the ability of ordinary-looking sand to suddenly swallow objects on its surface,

*Golden Sands A gently curved strip of golden sand, 4 km long and in some places more than 100 m wide, gave the name to the resort *Golden Sands (Zlatni Piasci) (10). The coast here is almost flat and forms a vast shallow water, and the sea is usually calm and completely devoid of currents, which

Quicksand is a sinister phenomenon found in many horror films. The inconspicuous smooth surface of the sand suddenly begins to tighten the victim who has stepped on it. The more she tries to break free, the stronger the quicksand tightens, eventually swallowing the person with his head. This terrible picture, of course, is more fiction than reality. However, quicksand does exist. Although their depth rarely exceeds several tens of centimeters, they can indeed draw in animals or even humans that have fallen on the surface. Moreover, which coincides with the ideas of films, the sands really tighten the more you try to get out of them.

The nature of quicksand is much simpler than it might seem, and there is no magic in explaining their action. This phenomenon can occur in almost any place where there are necessary factors for this, namely an underground source of water and sand. Quicksand is ordinary sand highly saturated with water to such an extent that the friction between the grains of sand becomes negligible, so that the resulting substance can no longer hold objects on its surface. However, it is important to note that only very fine sand, with a dust-like structure, is suitable. Only he, mixed with water, can create a structure that absorbs matter.

There are several reasons why quicksands form. Firstly, this is the exit of groundwater in the form of springs to the surface of the Earth. If there is a sandy area in this place, then the formation of quicksand is quite possible. Another reason is an earthquake. Water from underground sources can also rise to the surface along the resulting faults. A human cause for the formation of quicksand is also possible. In the event of a break in the water supply or waterlogging of the soil as a result of irrigation, water, mixed with sand, can also create a quick mixture.

If you've managed to find quicksand deep enough to get stuck in, your position is not hopeless anyway. The first thing to do is stop randomly moving your arms and legs, trying to escape from the absorbing mass. Quicksand only absorbs an object when it is moving. The best way to get out is to grab onto nearby bushes or hanging tree branches. You can also lean on a wide and strong support, such as a board. Even if nothing of this was nearby, it is still possible to get out. The main thing is that all movements are smooth. Gradually turning over with your hands, you can “swim” in quicksand. Slowly moving towards the shore, sooner or later you will reach a shallow place that will allow you to get out of the trap.

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Why are coastal quicksands dangerous?

Coastal quicksands are found on the shores of lakes, rivers, seas, where rising springs often come across. On top of quicksand, there may be a thin crust of silt formed from a fine fraction of sand. From the point of view of physics, the explanation for quicksand is very simple and depends on the ratio and interaction of sand and water. Sand grains are enveloped in water, and a film forms around them. There is air between the grains of sand, but with an increase in the amount of water, the air is displaced, and a mixture of sand and water is formed, the properties of which differ significantly from the mixture of sand, water and air.

The main condition for the formation of coastal quicksand is a large source of water, which is located at a depth of several meters, and sometimes several tens of meters. Such sources provoke shedding of sand. In most cases, they try to break out with great force, rising as close to the surface as possible and enveloping individual grains of sand with water. Thus, a loose sandy mass impregnated with water is formed, which for some time retains its balance. When any object hits here, the structure collapses, and physical forces try to push back the displaced sand. Suction occurs. Naturally, not any source can become the basis for the formation of quicksand. Only a source that moves in an inclined horizontal direction or almost vertically becomes the culprit in the formation of a coastal "trap".

It is sometimes impossible to determine the location of such sand. From above, it looks quite reliable and there is no doubt that you can move on this surface. Grass and flowers can grow here, however, if there is a similar sand formation in a rocky area, it is better to bypass it. It is simply impossible to check whether a nearby source of water provoked the appearance of quicksand.

The danger of the coastal sands is perhaps even greater than the danger of the swamp. When you walk through the swamp, you always understand the situation and realize where you are. And the coastal sand in appearance is no different from an ordinary beach, but at the same time it can become deadly.

How to get out of coastal quicksand

Hit and death of people in quicksand, not such a rarity. Why is it so difficult or almost impossible to get out of the whirlpool of sand? The fact is that it is very viscous, so any sudden movements cause even more resistance, despite the fact that the density of quicksand is only one and a half times greater than the density of water. You can get out of the elements only if you move very smoothly, or even better, try to lie on your back or stomach with your legs free, and try to "swim" on the sand in the direction you came from. If you cannot move forward, do not make sudden movements, call for help. Get rid of unnecessary things and clothes as much as possible. If there is a person nearby who can help you, let him not get too close, he will have to give you a rope, stick or other object, for which you will need to cling tightly and climb slowly but surely. Without additional emphasis, it is almost impossible to get out on your own. When you try to pull, for example, a leg, a vacuum is formed and a huge force arises, pulling the leg back. The force that must be applied to lift the leg can reach several hundred kilograms.

Terrible is Nature in her wrath. In her arsenal - rivers of boiling lava, giant tsunami waves, devastating earthquakes, bottomless swamps, floods. There is another terrible weapon. These are quicksands, which have long been called "dry swamps".

Quicksand Legends

They scare children and travelers, they are told by old people instead of bedtime stories. Only unlike fictional stories, quicksand is a terrible reality that people living on the coasts most often face. Imagine: a storm, a ship in distress, desperate people. And suddenly, in the distance, the shore is the hope of salvation. With great difficulty, the ship approaches, but the cries of "hurrah" are replaced by exclamations of horror. The ship begins to slowly sink into the coastal sand. People try to save themselves, but, alas, few succeed.

Such cases, although they were not rare, but still almost all were counted. But the number of people who disappeared during walks cannot be counted at all. The sand underfoot suddenly turns into a trap, a person panics, begins to flounder and drowns.

Where are the most dangerous places with quicksand?

This is the Goodwin Shoals on the South Foreland. The second name is "Cemetery of ships". It looks intimidating: the skeletons and sides, randomly scattered along the coast, are covered with sand. Elsewhere, only the tip of the mast can be seen. A gloomy spectacle.

Alaska
This is Tarnagen Fjord.

Jamaica
This is the place where the city of Port Royal once stood, which disappeared in the 17th century. The original version - in 1692 there was an earthquake. The impact of the elements was powerful, the tidal wave destroyed the city, and the sea swallowed it. In 1992, scientists were able to prove that the city really drowned, but not in water. He's another victim of quicksand.

Caribbean Islands

Coast of Canada
In principle, quicksand can be found anywhere there is water, sand, and rocks. That is, the shores of lakes and seas, as well as large rivers, can be considered dangerous. On the outskirts of deserts, you can also fall into a trap arranged by quicksand.

How is quicksand formed?

If you remember school physics lessons, you can easily find the clue to the formation of quicksand. The phenomenon of this phenomenon lies in the ratio of the amount of sand and water, as well as their interaction. What does dry (and therefore safe) sand consist of? From countless grains of sand and air. What happens if you add water here? Water will begin to envelop each grain of sand, and a film will form around it. Since there are tiny dust particles on the sand grains, the cementing process begins, in which they take an active part. This is how a completely new substance is formed - viscous and very viscous.

So, in order for ordinary sand to turn into a quick danger, it needs to be wetted.. A bucket of water will not help, a constant source of water is needed, and the larger it is, the more terrible the danger. In coastal places it is a tidal wave. The rest are underground springs. The depth of the source is different. If the mass of sand is large, then the estimated depth can reach forty meters. Moreover, only such water sources that are practically in a vertical position or slightly inclined are suitable for creating fluctuations. On the surface, everything looks quite harmless: sand, here and there pebbles, a couple of bushes. Without special instruments, it is impossible to determine whether there is water in this place, whether the sand is wet, and what is the extent of the danger.

And the water at this time works, constantly wetting the layers of sand, provokes its shedding. From above, this process is invisible; even specialists cannot determine it. But it is worth getting here any heavy object, and the trap works. Begins the process of suction, pulling deep.

How to check if there is quicksand in this place?

It's better not to. Don't know the area? Walk around the pleasant sand for bare feet. This measure is desirable everywhere and mandatory for those places where the trap has worked at least once. Usually in such areas there is a rescue service and there are warning signs.

Any chance of getting out of the quicksand?

The answer is unequivocal - yes. And now the big BUT. Only those who know what and how to do and will not be at a loss, that is, will be able not to panic, have a chance.

The actions are simple: lie on your back, try to spread your arms and legs, that is, take as much space as possible. If you shrink into a ball, then the weight will press on one place, and the body will begin to sink faster. Usually both legs are the first to fall into the trap, sometimes one gets stuck - this can be considered a real success. Lying on your back, arms outstretched, you need to slowly, without sudden movements, pull out your legs. The process can take up to an hour, but be patient and persevere - your life is worth it. After you free your legs, you need to determine where you came from. There, on that side, is a safe hard surface. Row there, and, in the truest sense of the word. Swim across the sand and best on your back. You can not? Carefully roll over onto your stomach and, pushing off with your arms and legs, “swim”. And remember: any sudden movement - and you will be pulled into the sand.

Quicksand is a unique phenomenon, just like all other inventions of Nature.

You were walking in the desert, thinking, and suddenly found yourself in quicksand, quickly sinking to the bottom. Certain death in the mud? Not really. Quicksand is not even close to being as dangerous as it looks in the movies, although it is quite real. Any sand or silt can temporarily become quick-moving if sufficiently saturated with water and/or subject to vibrations such as during an earthquake. Here's what to do if you're going under.

Steps

Part 1

Drop everything. If you step on with a backpack on or with something heavy in your hands, immediately remove your backpack or drop everything you are carrying. Because your body is less dense than quicksand, you won't drown completely unless you panic and try to climb out too violently, or unless you're overburdened with something heavy.

• If you can get out of your shoes, do it. Shoes, especially those with flat, rigid soles (such as many types of boots), create a vacuum when you try to pull them out of the quicksand. If you know in advance that there is a high chance of getting into quicksand, take off your shoes and walk either barefoot or in shoes that can be easily removed.

1. Move in a horizontal direction. If you feel stuck, take a couple of quick steps back before the quicksand immobilizes you. It usually takes a few minutes for the mixture to become runny, so the best way to get out is not to get stuck in the sand at all.

   • If your feet are still stuck, do not take large and abrupt steps in an attempt to free yourself. By taking a big step forward, you will be able to release one foot, but your other foot will sink even deeper, and full release will become extremely difficult.

2. Lie on your back. If your legs are sinking very quickly, sit down and lean back. Increasing the contact area should help you free your legs by eliminating the pressure they create and keeping them afloat. When you feel your legs begin to release, roll away from the sands and free yourself from their grip. You will be up to your neck in the mud, but this is the fastest and safest way to get out.

   Take your time. If you're stuck in quicksand, panicking will only hurt your efforts to get out. Whatever you do, do it slowly. Slow motions prevent agitation of quicksand: Vibrations caused by fast motions can turn relatively hard ground into an additional mass of quicksand.

   • More importantly, quicksand can react to your movements in completely unpredictable ways. If you move slowly, it will be easier for you to stop the adverse process and prevent further immersion. You will need to be patient. Depending on how much quicksand is around you, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to slowly and methodically expel it.

   Part 2

   Climbing out of the deep quicksand

   1. Relax. Quicksand is never deeper than a meter, but if you hit a particularly deep section, you can sink into the sand up to your waist or up to your chest pretty quickly. Panicked, you can sink even deeper, but if you relax, the buoyancy of your body will not let you drown.

      • Breathe deeply. Deep breathing will not only help you stay calm, it will also increase your buoyancy. Fill your lungs with as much air as possible. It is impossible to "go to the bottom" if your lungs are full of air.

   2. Lie on your back and swim. If you are hip-deep or higher, lean back. The more you distribute your weight over the surface, the harder it will be for you to sink. Swim on your back, slowly and carefully releasing your legs. As soon as you release them, you can begin to carefully move towards the safe area, moving slowly and smoothly back with the help of arm strokes, as if you were swimming. When you get to the edge of quicksand, you can roll onto solid ground.

      Use a cane. When in an area with quicksand, walk with a cane. Feeling your ankles begin to sink, place the pole on the surface of the quicksand horizontally behind you. Lie on your back on a pole. After a couple of minutes, you will reach balance on quicksand and stop sinking. Push the pole towards the new position; move it under your hips. The pole will prevent the hips from sinking, so you can slowly release one leg first and then the other.

      • Stay on your back with your arms and legs touching the quicksand and use the pole to probe. Move slowly on both sides along the pole until you reach solid ground.

   3. Take more breaks. Getting out of quicksand, you can get tired from work.