How stalactites and stalagmites form in caves
How stalactites and stalagmites form in caves
Creation of caves by groundwater.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Transcript
NARRATOR: Caves are the most striking evidence of the geologic work of groundwater. Over hundreds of years the dissolution of the limestone, or dolomite, by groundwater results in underground cavities.
These spectacular cave formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and columns—are formed by the deposition of the carbonate minerals dissolved in the surrounding limestone by groundwater.
Slowly, drop by drop, these strange and beautiful cave deposits grow. Stalactites, icicle-shaped deposits, hang from the ceilings of caves, while columns of stalagmites build up from the floors.
These spectacular cave formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and columns—are formed by the deposition of the carbonate minerals dissolved in the surrounding limestone by groundwater.
Slowly, drop by drop, these strange and beautiful cave deposits grow. Stalactites, icicle-shaped deposits, hang from the ceilings of caves, while columns of stalagmites build up from the floors.