Stalagnate

Stalagnate in the Caves of Nerja, Spain

A Stalagnate or pillar or sinter column is a column from the ceiling to the floor of a limestone cave. It is formed when a stalactite and a stalagmite meet or when a stalactite reaches the floor of the cave. Stalagnates are the late stage[1] of stalactites and stalagmites.

Shapes of stalagnates

Once grown together the water ceases dripping and runs down outside and the stalagnate begins to lose its conical shape. After some time an optical separation of the dripstones is not yet possible as the stalagnate has changed its form to a cylinder.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.showcaves.com/english/explain/Speleothem/Pillar.htm Retrieved 2015-02-15
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