A stalagmite (Greekstalagma, "drip") is a type of speleothem formed by the deposit of calcium carbonate which rises from the floor of a limestonecave due to the dripping of mineralized solutions. The corresponding formation on the ceiling above a stalagmite is known as a stalactite. Should both these formations grow together, meeting in the middle, the resultant formation is known as a column or pillar. The term "stalagmite" is derived from the Greek meaning that which drops; "stalactite," from the Greek meaning to fall in drops.
There are various ways (mnemonic) to remember which hangs from the ceiling (stalactite) and which comes up from the floor (stalagmite):
StalaCtite has a "c" for "ceiling".
StalaGmite has a "g" for "ground".
Stalactite is stretched "tite" (tight) by hanging from the ceiling.
Stalagmite pushes up with all its "mite" (might) from the floor.
A stalagmite (from the Greek stalagma, "drop") is a type of speleothem that rises from the floor of a limestonecave due to the dripping of mineralized solutions and the depositation of calcium carbonate.
The corresponding formation on the ceiling of a cave is known as a stalactite.
The term "stalagmite" is derived from the Greek noun stalagma ("Σταλαγμίτης"), meaning "drop" or "drip"; the term "stalactite" ("Σταλακτίτης") comes from the related adjective stalaktos, meaning "dropped".
A stalagmite is a cone of calcite rising from the floor of a cavern.
Stalagmites and stalactites are often found in pairs, the stalagmite being formed as a result of further evaporation and precipitation from solution after the trickle of water falls from the stalactite.
Since stalactites, stalagmites, and curtains of dripstone form only in the presence of air, their existence in a cave indicates that the cave was above the water table while the dripstone was forming.
Feeds |
Contact