Speleoteemisiä

Speleoteemisiä refers to the study and classification of speleothems, which are mineral formations found in caves. Speleothems are created by the slow deposition of dissolved minerals, primarily calcite, from water that drips or flows through a cave. The specific type of speleothem that forms depends on various factors, including the rate of water flow, the concentration of dissolved minerals, and the cave's atmospheric conditions.

Common types of speleothems include stalactites, which hang from the cave ceiling, and stalagmites, which grow upwards from the cave floor. Dripstone, flowstone, cave pearls, and helictites are other examples of speleothems. The scientific investigation of speleothems helps geologists and speleologists understand cave formation processes, paleoclimates, and the geological history of a region. Dating speleothems using techniques like uranium-thorium dating can provide insights into past environmental changes. The term "speleoteemisiä" itself is a Finnish word relating to speleothems.