Groundwater carries dissolved minerals in solution. The minerals may then be deposites, for example, as stalagmites or stalactites. Stalactites form as calcium carbonate drips from the ceiling of a cave, forming beautiful icicle-like formations. The word stalactite has, and it forms from the ceiling. Stalagmites form as calcium carbonate drips from the ceiling to the floor of a cave and then grow upwards. The stalagmite means it forms on the ground.
Stalactites :
- They are the major depositional features forms in the caverns in limestone regions.
- The water containing limestone in solution, seeps through the roofs of the caverns in the form of a continuous chain of drops.
- The water dropping from the ceiling undergoes evaporation, leaving behind a small deposit of limestone on the roof.
- This process continues and deposit of limestone grows downwards like pillars.
- People call these beautiful forms stalactites.
Stalagmites :
- As the remaining portion of the water dropping from the roof of the cavern falls on the floor, it undergoes evaporation, leaving a small deposit of limestone behind.
- This deposit grows upward from the floor of the cavern.
- These type of depositional features are called stalagmites.
- As the process grows, both stalactite and stalagmite often join together to form vertical columns in the caverns.
Curtains
- Rainwater drips from a cave roof’s lengthy fracture, forming a continuous strip of calcites.
- Numerous needle-shape dripstones hanging from the cave ceiling are called Drapes or Curtains.
Pillar
- Formation of Pillar is when both a stalagmite and a stalactite connect together.
- The diameter of the pillar varies from one another.
If a stalactite and stalagmite join together, they form a column. One of the wonders of visiting a cave is to witness the beauty of these amazing and strangely captivating structures. In the Naica mine, in Mexico, people can find some of the largest and most beautiful natural crystals. Groundwater, rich in calcium and sulfur, formed these gypsum crystals over thousands of years as it flowed through an underground cave.
Significance of Groundwater
- Minerals are dissolves in groundwater, which then carries the ions in the solution.
- Wells benefit from groundwater to keep their water levels stable.
- Groundwater hydrates a vast amount of vegetation.
- There are very few chances of human and animal waste contaminating groundwater.
Features and Formation of Groundwater Depositional Landforms,Features and Formation of Groundwater Depositional Landforms
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