Strange bubbles appear on beach as locals urged to avoid 'sinking' sand – Daily Record
The bubbles could be seen in a shallow pool a short distance from the tide at Rest Bay in Porthcawl, south Wales.
Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter
We have more newsletters
Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter
We have more newsletters
A beachgoer was met with an unusual phenomenon after going for a weekend stroll on the sand. The man was enjoying his walk in Porthcawl, South Wales, when he noticed odd bubbles emerging from a pool of water.
The pool, which he revealed was exceptionally cold despite the warm sunshine, was close to the tide line at Rest Bay and had pockets of air bursting through the sand and water.
It appeared to be treacherous sinking sand, prompting warnings for beach visitors, especially children, to steer clear of the potentially hazardous site, Wales Online reports.
Also known as quicksand, sinking sand typically consists of sand overly saturated with water, which reduces the friction between the particles and means it is unable to support as much weight as normal.
In a similar incident a year earlier at Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire, a couple came across this deceptive terrain.
Recounting her experience, the woman said: "The sand was like sinking sand. I had wellies on and my whole welly went down and could have kept going further if I didn't pull it out.
"It was quite scary because the tide was coming in. It could be dangerous if someone got stuck."
The phenomenon of sinking sand is often attributed to the presence of underground springs, where the groundwater breaks through the surface.
The rate at which water moves through the ground varies, depending on its flow path and the permeability of the geological layers it passes through.
Springs are formed when water pressure results in a natural flow of groundwater onto the earth's surface. This often occurs when a layer of permeable soil or rock overlies an impermeable one.
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.
