Stalagmite

labeled speleothems

Witchs Finger Carlsbad Caverns

Calthemite Stalagmite on concrete floor

Seven stars cave

Crayfish back

Herault stalagmite2

Stalagmite

A stalagmite in a cave

A stalagmite is a type of rock formation that rises from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings. Stalagmites are typically composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the form of travertine or aragonite, but they can also consist of other minerals such as gypsum, halite, and sulfur.

Formation

Stalagmites form through the deposition of minerals from water dripping onto the cave floor. When water containing dissolved calcium carbonate drips from the ceiling of a cave, it leaves behind a small deposit of calcite. Over time, these deposits accumulate and grow upward from the floor, forming a stalagmite. The rate of growth can vary significantly depending on factors such as the amount of water dripping, the concentration of minerals in the water, and the cave's temperature and humidity.

Types of Stalagmites

Stalagmites can vary greatly in shape and size. Some common types include:

• Conical stalagmites: These have a broad base and taper to a point.
• Columnar stalagmites: These are more cylindrical and can grow to connect with stalactites, forming a column.
• Candle-shaped stalagmites: These are slender and have a more uniform width.

Differences Between Stalagmites and Stalactites

Stalagmites and stalactites are often confused, but they have distinct differences. Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave, while stalagmites grow from the floor. A useful mnemonic to remember this is that stalactites "hang tight" to the ceiling, and stalagmites "might" reach the ceiling if they grow long enough.

Notable Stalagmites

Some of the world's most famous stalagmites can be found in caves such as:

• Mammoth Cave National Park in the United States
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the United States
• Postojna Cave in Slovenia
• Reed Flute Cave in China

Related Pages

• Stalactite
• Speleothem
• Cave
• Karst
• Calcium carbonate
• Travertine
• Aragonite

See Also

• Speleology
• Geology
• Mineralogy