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Running water, and the acids from dissolved gases, slowly carve out the stone to form an erosive cave. Where limestone is present above the cave, it will drip out as calcium bicarbonate in water, which reverts to particles of calcium carbonate in air. If the water carries to the floor of the cave, stalagmites (limestone pinnacles) are formed. If the calcium precipitates before it can drip, an "icicle" of limestone, a stalactite, hangs from the ceiling. Usually these forms are created simultaneously, and may merge to form columns or sheets of columns.
Unlike their icy counterparts, stalactites and stalagmites take hundreds to thousands of years to form, at an average of 5/1000ths of an inch (.13 mm) a year. A stalagmite in an Oregon cave has grown less than 1/4 of an inch since it was broken off 100 years ago!
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How does the formation of stalagmites and stalactites in caves are relate to equilibrium?
Stalagmites and stalactites in caves form through the process of calcium carbonate-rich water seeping through rocks, depositing minerals as it drips. The formation reaches equilibrium when there is a balance between the rate of mineral deposition and the rate of water dripping. This equilibrium helps maintain the growth of stalagmites and stalactites over time in caves.
Are there different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites?
Yes, there are various types of stalactites and stalagmites based on their composition, shape, and formation process. Some common types include soda straws, helictites, and draperies for stalactites, and pillars, shields, and coral garden for stalagmites. Each type has unique characteristics formed under specific conditions in caves.
Stalactites and stalagmites are examples of?
Stalactites and stalagmites are examples of cave formations that are typically found in limestone caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling and are formed by minerals dripping down, while stalagmites rise up from the floor and are formed by minerals accumulating from the ground up.
Where can you see stalactites and stalagmites?
Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen in caves, where they form over thousands of years due to mineral deposits from dripping water. Popular caves where you can see these formations include Carlsbad Caverns in the USA, Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, and the Cango Caves in South Africa.
Can rocks grow like stalactites and stalagmites?
No, rocks cannot grow like stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites and stalagmites are formed from minerals that are deposited from water dripping in caves over thousands of years, while rocks are solid masses that do not exhibit the same type of growth.
Where are stalagmites and stalactites?
Stalactites and stalagmites are found in limestone caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites come up from the ground.
Where stalactites and stalagmites are found?
Stalactites and stalagmites are found in limestone caves. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites come up from the ground.
Where is the precipitate calcite commonly found to create interesting formation in the ground?
Stalactites and stalagmites in caves.caves
How does the formation of stalagmites and stalactites in caves are relate to equilibrium?
Stalagmites and stalactites in caves form through the process of calcium carbonate-rich water seeping through rocks, depositing minerals as it drips. The formation reaches equilibrium when there is a balance between the rate of mineral deposition and the rate of water dripping. This equilibrium helps maintain the growth of stalagmites and stalactites over time in caves.
What is a type of rock where stalactites and stalagmites are found?
Limestone is a type of rock commonly associated with the formation of stalactites and stalagmites in caves. It is composed primarily of calcium carbonate, which is soluble in water, allowing for the slow formation of these mineral formations over thousands of years.
Why there is no stalactites and stalagmites in Kuwait?
Kuwait doesn't have caves as big to have stalactites and stalagmite
Where do stalactites and stalagmites come from?
Lime stone caves!
What are the spikes in caves called?
Stalactites and Stalagmites
What mineral makes up stalactites and stalagmites?
Calcium carbonate is the mineral that makes up stalactites and stalagmites. It is primarily deposited by dripping water in caves over long periods of time, resulting in the formation of these structures.
Are there different kinds of stalactites and stalagmites?
Yes, there are various types of stalactites and stalagmites based on their composition, shape, and formation process. Some common types include soda straws, helictites, and draperies for stalactites, and pillars, shields, and coral garden for stalagmites. Each type has unique characteristics formed under specific conditions in caves.
Can precipitate calcite be found in caves?
Yes, precipitation of calcite can occur in caves through a process called cave formation or speleothem formation. This happens when dissolved calcium carbonate in water drips or flows into the cave, allowing calcite to crystallize and accumulate as stalagmites, stalactites, and other cave formations.
What is the scientific term for stalactites and stalagmites?
The scientific term for stalactites and stalagmites is speleothems. These formations are created in caves by the deposition of minerals from dripping water.
