Stalagmite

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A stalagmite (from the Greek stalagma ("Σταλαγμίτης"), "drop" or "drip") is a type of speleothem that rises from the floor of a limestone cave due to the dripping of mineralized solutions and the deposition of calcium carbonate.

The corresponding formation on the ceiling of a cave is known as a stalactite. If these formations grow together, meeting in the middle, the result is known as a column or pillar.

There are various mnemonics to help remember which formation hangs from the ceiling (stalactite) and which rises 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.
• Stalactites have to hang on tight to the ceiling.
• Stalagmites might reach the ceiling.
• Stalagmite pushes up with all its "mite" (might) from the floor.

• "When the mites go up, the "tites" (tights) come down".

Stalactites and stalagmites can also form on concrete ceilings and floors, although they form much more quickly there than in the natural cave environment.

See also

• Stalactite

External links

• [The Virtual Cave: Stalagmites]
• [Cave of the Mounds]

 

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