stalagnate

Stalagnate is a term sometimes used in geology and speleology, though it is not a formally recognized scientific term. It refers to a speleothem, which is a mineral formation found in caves, that has grown downwards from the ceiling and upwards from the floor, and has met in the middle. This creates a single, continuous column. Stalagnates are essentially the merging of a stalactite and a stalagmite. Stalactites are formations that hang from the ceiling of a cave, typically formed by the dripping of mineral-rich water. Stalagmites are formations that grow upwards from the cave floor, also formed by dripping water. When these two formations grow long enough to meet and fuse, they form a single, larger structure. The process of formation is the same as for stalactites and stalagmites, involving the deposition of calcium carbonate from water. The rate of growth depends on factors such as water chemistry, temperature, and humidity within the cave. While the term "stalagnate" describes this merged formation, the more commonly accepted geological terms for such a structure are simply a "column" or a "pillar." The visual appearance of a stalagnate can vary greatly depending on the cave environment and the mineral content of the water.