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Short note: Stalagmite and stalactite

Short answer

Stalactites are icicle-shaped calcite deposits hanging from cave roofs, while stalagmites are cone-shaped deposits rising from the floor. Both form from dripping water that loses CO2 and precipitates calcium carbonate; when they join, a column forms.

Write a short note on stalagmite and stalactite.

Both are cave deposits (speleothems) of calcite formed when water dripping through limestone cave roofs loses CO2_2 and deposits calcium carbonate.

  • Stalactite: an icicle-shaped cone hanging down from the cave roof; it grows downward from drip-water.
  • Stalagmite: a cone rising up from the floor, built where drops fall.
  • When both join, they form a column (pillar).
   ______________ roof
     \/  \/ \/   stalactites
      .    .
      .    .
     /\   /\     stalagmites
   ____________ floor

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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