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Sort of. The water percolating through the joints in the limestone above the cave, dissolves some of the rock's main chemical, Calcium Carbonate. On emerging through the cave roof, some of the dissolved carbonate is precipitated in its crystalline form, Calcite, very slowly building up the stalactites and stalagmites.

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What causes stalactites to form?

This is caused by the concentration of minerals solidifying over time, normally from groundwater trickling through cracks in the roofs of such caverns contains dissolved calcium bicarbonate. When a drop of water comes in contact with the air of the cavern, some of the calcium bicarbonate is transformed into calcium carbonate, which is precipitated out of the water solution and forms a ring of calcite on the roof of the cavern.


Calcium carbonate deposits on cave floors build up stalactites?

They do - among other related formation such as layers generally called "flowstone", and "gours", which are natural calcite weirs creating a staircase or pools. Also, rarer, "cave pearls" which are ooids of calcite around sand grains or similar, and "mud roses", caused by dripping water creating a funnel-shaped hollow in a mud floor, then lining the hollow with precipitated calcite.


Which of the following can be caused by excessive pressure from overlying structures over a cavern?

Excessive pressure from overlying structures over a cavern can cause the collapse of the cavern roof, leading to sinkholes, subsidence of the ground surface, or even a catastrophic cave-in event.


What happens because the earth is tilted 23.5 degrees?

The seasons are caused by this.The seasons are caused by this.The seasons are caused by this.The seasons are caused by this.


How are night and day caused by the earth's rotation?

it is caused by if the earth rotates, if the earth goes away from the sun it is night . so that is how night is caused. Day is caused by the earth rotates and, the sunlight hits that place. so that is how the day is caused.

Related Questions

Is it true stalactites are deposits hanging from cave roofs caused by dripping groundwater?

Maybe it is true. Well I think it is true.


Is it true that stalactites are deposits hanging from cave roofs caused by dripping groundwater?

As water goes through ground, it will to a certain extent dissolve some minerals. When water later drips down inside a cave, the water can actually deposit a little bit of the minerals it is carrying. This results in Stalactites from roof and Stalagmites at ground. It is true.


Are stalactites deposits hanging from cave roofs caused by dripping groundwater?

Yes: some of the calcium carbonate dissolved in the water in each drop precipitates as its crystalline form, calcite, so slowly builds up layer after layer of crystals to form the stalactite (and related formations).


Why is my sink draining slowly even though there is no blockage?

A slow-draining sink can be caused by a buildup of debris, grease, or mineral deposits in the pipes, even if there is no visible blockage. This can restrict the flow of water and cause the sink to drain slowly.


What causes stalactites to form?

This is caused by the concentration of minerals solidifying over time, normally from groundwater trickling through cracks in the roofs of such caverns contains dissolved calcium bicarbonate. When a drop of water comes in contact with the air of the cavern, some of the calcium bicarbonate is transformed into calcium carbonate, which is precipitated out of the water solution and forms a ring of calcite on the roof of the cavern.


What could be causing a slow draining bathroom sink that is not clogged?

A slow draining bathroom sink that is not clogged could be caused by a buildup of debris, mineral deposits, or a partially blocked drain pipe. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent this issue.


What form stalactites?

Sediments in sedimentary rocks are often caused by precipitation.


What kind of cave st ructures hanging from the cavern roof?

Stalactites (calicte deposits) - their opposite numbers on the floor are stalagmites. They can grow in three basic forms: plain Stalactites - tapering, shaped like icicles, Curtains (I believe aka 'Draperies' in USA), shaped a bit like curtains (!) and Helictites - oddly-distorted things like bits of spaghetti, whose origins are still conjectural. A cave roof can also exhibit particular erosion-forms such as box-work, a sort of tracery caused when the passage's formative stream filled it to the roof in its early development.


What processes form stalactites?

Sediments in sedimentary rocks are often caused by precipitation.


What sedimentation process forms stalactites?

Sediments in sedimentary rocks are often caused by precipitation.


Why is my sink draining slow even though it is not clogged?

A slow-draining sink can be caused by a buildup of debris, mineral deposits, or a partially blocked pipe. Even if the sink is not fully clogged, these factors can restrict water flow and cause it to drain slowly. Regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent this issue.


Calcium carbonate deposits on cave floors build up stalactites?

They do - among other related formation such as layers generally called "flowstone", and "gours", which are natural calcite weirs creating a staircase or pools. Also, rarer, "cave pearls" which are ooids of calcite around sand grains or similar, and "mud roses", caused by dripping water creating a funnel-shaped hollow in a mud floor, then lining the hollow with precipitated calcite.