Fresh water bubbling to the surface on De Panne beach
In the seaside resort of De Panne many holidaymakers have been surprised to see fresh water coming to the surface on the beach and flowing into the sea. “It’s an entirely natural phenomenon” explains geologist Emmanuel Van Houtte.
Emmanuel Van Houtte:”The level of groundwater in the sand dunes is higher than on the beach. Because water always flows to the lowest point, this fresh water flows to the sea. However, when the fresh water hits salt water it will bubble to the surface. This is what is happening on the beach in De Panne near the waterline and the Leopold I Monument.”
“If a child digs a hole, this can even encourage the phenomenon.”