Caves, Stalactites and Stalagmites


Speleothems are cave features formed by  minerals. 

 The word speleothem comes from the Greek words spelaion meaning "cave" and thema meaning "deposit". 

 The most well-known speleothems are stalactites and stalagmites. 

 Stalactites grow down from the cave ceiling.

 Stalagmites grow up from the cave floor. 

 It’s easy to remember which is which: Stalactites have a "T" for top and stalagmites have a "G" for ground.





Caves, stalactites and stalagmites are caused by chemical reactions.




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