Stalagmite and stalactite: ways of formation, similarities and differences

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:40

Many of us believe that rocks and mountains are solid, and we often use these words as epithets. But if they really were such, then a person would never see a stalagmite and a stalactite. This is due to the fact that a drop of water, flowing through the thickness of the rock, descends into the cave, carrying an insignificant amount of limestone. Then it passes through the earth into the lower layers of the mantle and evaporates in them under the influence of the heat of the earth's core. But the material that it pulls along remains on the floor or ceiling of the cave through which our drop managed to seep.

Stalactite and stalagmite are limestone outgrowths that are formed in the process of water alluvium. However, the water pressure is not significant, so these formations have a rather slow growth. In addition to washing limestone deep into the caves, the drops also collect calcium and some other substances. This can explain the variety of colors and shades that the stalagmite and stalactite have.

Depending on the speed at which water enters, the caves are formed under considerationgrowths. When it flows down slowly, a stalactite appears, which has its origin on the ceiling. And if the water drips fast enough so as not to linger on top itself and wash various substances onto the floor of the cave, then a stalagmite is formed. Sometimes it happens that the age of these growths reaches a high level, and they are combined into one column. Since their union has taken place, they become stalagnates. The most rare thing to see is how the chamber in the cave is divided into two separate halls by a stalagnate formation. This is called draping. It is worth noting that sparkling stones can often be observed in stalagnates. These are crystals of crystal, which is formed in the mountains. Drapery and stalagnates are often broken in order to get these sparkling stones.

Despite all the differences, stalagmite and stalactite have similarities. It lies in the composition. There cannot be different stalactites and stalagmites in one cave. All the elements of which they are composed will be similar to each other. The growth of formations is a long process. One centimeter of a stalactite can form in a hundred years, or even more. And stalagmites generally grow even longer. This is because water slows down as it travels through rocks. And rarely is she able to maintain enough pressure to fall to the floor of the cave along with limestone.

You can't even imagine how beautiful the stalactites and stalagmites are. The photo is able to convey themthe appearance is in general terms, but when you look at them from different angles or shine a flashlight, they seem to change their colors and shapes.

There is another theory of the formation of these cave growths. It was introduced in 1970 and focused on the fact that stalactites and stalagmites are formed under the action of a special fungus. When a favorable environment is created for its growth, it begins to develop. However, if this theory is correct, then why has not an artificial cave with stalactites been created yet? In any case, no matter what secret these extraordinary cave elements keep in themselves, they delight the eyes of those happy people who had the opportunity to see them at least once.