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Earth's Teeth: Stalactites & Stalagmites
25Jul,2024
Earth's Teeth: Stalactites & Stalagmites
Caves are known for their unique geological formations, most famously stalactites and stalagmites.
What are they? Stalactites and stalagmites are in a family of geological formations known as speleothems. Other examples include columns (stalactites and stalagmites that have fused), cave popcorn, helictites, and flowstone.
How do they form? Speleothems form slowly over time. Mineral-rich water seeps through rocks, such as limestone cave ceilings. The water re-deposits minerals inside the cave surfaces. For example, stalactites form as calcium carbonate accumulates from ceiling drips, and stalagmites form as those same drips accumulate on the cave floor. Other mineral formations also exist, such as gypsum flowers.
I always forget which is which. How can I remember? A helpful way to remember is that stalacTITES (emphasis on the T) grow from the TOP of the cave.
Graphics, illustration, and writing by R. L. Nevinczenko.
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BY : Rhiannon Nevinczenko