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Depositional Features

Depositional Features

Stalactite and Stalagmite:

• The water containing limestone in solution seeps through the roof of caverns in the form of a continuous chain of drops.
• A portion of the roof hangs on the roof and on evaporation of water, a small deposit of limestone is left behind contributing to the formation of a stalactite, growing downwards from the roof.
• The remaining portion of the drop falls to the floor of the cavern.
• This also evaporates, leaving behind a small deposit of limestone aiding the formation of a stalagmite, thicker and flatter, rising upwards from the floor.
• Sometimes, stalactite and stalagmite join together to form a complete pillar known as the