Calcite (Inventory)/Stalactite
From LagWiki
The Stalactite field of the Calcite section should list stations where stalactites are observed. Special stalactites such as deflected stalactites and soda straws are recorded in specific subfields.
Stalactites are ceiling formations that hang downward like icicles. They form when calcite laden water loses some of its CO2 upon entering a void from above. This loss causes calcite to crystalize forming various stalactite shapes and sizes.
Stalactites may appear individually or in groups, sometimes tremendous groups, with other speleothem types associated such as stalagmites and draperies. They may be any of a number of colors and can vary in size from tiny to massive.
When a stalactite joins with a stalagmite or reaches the floor, a column is formed.
Two specific subtypes of stalactite have their own fields on the form. These are deflected stalactites and soda straws. These subtypes should be recorded in the respective subfields. Only calcite stalactites that are not deflected and are not straws should be recorded in this field.
Look for stalactites on the ceiling and overhanging ledges.
 Stalactites |
 Stalactites |
See also
References
- Palmer, Arthur N. (2007) Cave Geology CAVE BOOKS, Dayton, OH pp 281-282 ISBN-13: 978-0-939748-66-2, ISBN-10: 0-939748-66-5
- Hill, Carol; Paolo Forti (1997) Cave Minerals of the World (Second Edition ed.) National Speleological Society pp 104-108 ISBN: 1-879961-07-5
Fields
