stalactitestalagmite

Stalactites and stalagmites are natural formations found in caves, particularly limestone caves. Stalactites are mineral deposits that hang from the ceiling of a cave, typically growing downwards. They are formed by the slow drip of water containing dissolved minerals, such as calcium carbonate. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a tiny deposit of these minerals. Over long periods, these deposits accumulate, creating the icicle-like shape of a stalactite. The shape and size of a stalactite can vary greatly depending on the rate of water flow, the mineral content, and the cave's environment.

Stalagmites, in contrast, are mineral deposits that grow upwards from the floor of a cave. They are formed by the same process as stalactites, but the water drips onto the cave floor instead of hanging from the ceiling. The dissolved minerals in the water are deposited on the floor, gradually building up to form a stalagmite. Stalagmites often have a more rounded or cone-like shape than stalactites.

When a stalactite and a stalagmite grow towards each other and eventually meet, they form a single column. The process of formation for both stalactites and stalagmites is very slow, often taking thousands of years to form even small formations. Their presence and appearance are indicators of the geological history and hydrological conditions of a cave system.