Stalagmites and stalactites are two natural formations that impress us. These are true works of art created by nature, which often generate confusion (especially by the resemblance of both terms), although the truth is that there are differences between the two. Therefore, in green ecology, we talk about What are the stalactites and stalagmites: difference and how they form.
What are stalactites and stalagmites?
Stalactites and stalagmites have something in common: they are speleotomas. The term speleotoma is of Greek origin and refers to mineral deposits that are formed in the caves after their formation. The phenomenon by which speleotomas arise is chemical precipitation, a process that results in the formation of solid elements from a solution. Both types of speleotomas are formed in limestone caves, since they originate from calcium carbonate deposits. Although, they can also originate from artificial or anthropic cavities from different mineral deposits.
The main difference between the two is its location (result of the training process). Here are the differences between stalactite and stalagmite, as well as the formation of each one:
Stalactites
HE They originate on the roof and grow in a descending way. Stalactites are created as a simple drop of mineralized water, which when they fall are left behind Calcita remainsa calcium carbonate mineral. The successive drops that fall, deposit more calcite that accumulates and finally the deposit adopts different forms, the conical being the most common.
Thus, stalactites are rock formations that are formed from top to bottom. In the center of the stalactite a duct through which water with minerals continues to circulate. This factor differentiates them from other similar morphological formations.
Stalagmites
They originate on the ground and grow up as a result of mineral deposits of filtered water. As in the stalactites, they begin to form with a simple mineralized drop and that Calcita residues are accumulating (calcium carbonate) successively. Unlike the stalactites, the stalagmites are solid and do not have a central duct.
In addition, due to the formation process, the stalagmites have a much more rounded and irregular form than the stalactites. Thus, different types of stalagmites are found according to their irregular form, but the most common have straight tubular shapes and are called macaroni. There are also conulitos (calcified crater shape), pearls (rounded shape), etc.
Usually, stalactites and stalagmites are confronted, that is, one on the roof and another on the ground of the cave. This is because from The tip of the stalactites the water is dripping on the ground and shape stalagmites.
How are the stalagmites and stalactites formed?
As we already said, both stalagmites and stalactites are formed by a Chemical precipitation process (or precipitation of minerals dissolved in water). Both formations are produced by the attack of the CO2 dissolved in the rainwater on the limestone rock, which is formed by calcium carbonate.
As time progresses, rainwater (with high CO2 content) is filtering on the ground and dissolving it. This process results in the formation of calcium bicarbonate, a very soluble compound in water. When the outcrop of this water rich in bicarbonate occurs, an escape phenomenon of the CO2 is generated that reacts and precipitates, forming calcium carbonate. Then, calcium carbonate begins to originate concretions around the drop point of the drop, in the case of stalactites. Subsequently, the stalagmites for the limestone dissolved in the drops of water that are shed into the ground are formed.
Where can we find the largest stalagmite and stalactite in the world?
The formation of both types of speleotomas is a very slow phenomenon. It is estimated that for them to grow 2.5 cm they are necessary between 4,000 and 5,000 years. Currently, we can find the greater stalactite in the world In the Cuevas de Nerja, in Malaga. This stalactite has 60 meters high and 18 in diameter and according to experts, dating for 450,000 years.
As to Stalagmitesthe largest in the world has about 67 meters high and is located in the Martín Hell Cave, in the province of Cienfuegos, in Cuba. The discovery of this stalagmite was not easy.
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