speleotemer

Speleothem is the term used for secondary mineral deposits that form in caves by the precipitation of minerals from circulating groundwater. The plural is speleothems. The spelling “speleotemer” is not standard and is generally considered a misspelling of speleothem.

Formation occurs when mineral-rich water infiltrates cave ceilings or floors. Most common speleothems are calcium carbonate, produced as groundwater carrying dissolved calcium bicarbonate enters the cave and releases carbon dioxide to the cave air. This degassing reduces solubility and causes calcite to precipitate, gradually building structures over long time scales. When precipitation occurs from ceilings, stalactites grow downward; from floors, stalagmites grow upward. If they join, they form columns or stalagnites. Other forms include flowstones, which create sheet-like coverings on walls or floors, helictites that grow in irregular, twisting directions, cave pearls, and, in gypsum- or aragonite-rich caves, alternative mineral varieties.

Speleothems record environmental conditions and are used in paleoclimate studies through dating methods such as uranium-thorium dating and isotopic analyses. They contribute to cave ecology as habitats and to the broader understanding of karst hydrology.

Conservation is important because speleothems grow very slowly and are sensitive to disturbance. Touching, vibrations, artificial lighting, and careless vandalism can damage or alter their growth. Proper cave management emphasizes minimal disturbance, controlled access, and public education to preserve these geological features for study and interpretation.