The bug
Bubble columns seem to rely on randomTickSpeed
to form. When it is set to zero, this game mechanic is broken.
How to reproduce
/gamerule randomTickSpeed 0
Dig down a few blocks
Place soul sand
Place water above it
→ ❌ No bubble column is formed
Note
The column will correctly form if the soul sand is placed last.
If a dispenser is used to remove the water, a permanent waterless bubble column is created.
[media]
Affects 1.17.10