Stalagmite

A stalagmite is a cool rock shape that grows up from the floor of a cave. It starts when water with minerals drips from the ceiling of the cave. Over many years, this water builds up on the floor, making the stalagmite taller.

Stalagmites are often found in caves with stalactites. Stalactites hang down from the ceiling, while stalagmites grow up from the floor. Sometimes, they meet in the middle and form a column.

Scientists and explorers study stalagmites to learn about Earth’s past. The layers in these rocks can show how much rain fell and what the temperatures were thousands of years ago. They help us understand our planet’s history and how caves are formed.

Formation and type

Stalagmites are rock formations that grow up from the floor of caves. The most common type forms in limestone caves. They grow from calcium carbonate that builds up from dripping water. These formations need special conditions, like the right pH level, to grow. When stalactites hanging from the ceiling grow long enough, they can meet stalagmites on the floor and form columns.

Other types of stalagmites form from lava in volcanic tubes. These grow quickly as drops of cooling lava pile up. There are also ice stalagmites that form when freezing water drips into caves. Similar formations can appear on concrete structures because of calcium leaking from the material. Each type of stalagmite forms in its own way, but they all grow slowly by adding material to a surface.

Records

The largest known stalagmite in the world rises over 70 meters (230 feet). You can find it in Sơn Đoòng Cave in Vietnam.

In the Zagros Mountains of Iran, near the ancient city of Bishapur, there is a tall statue. It is carved from a single stalagmite and is almost 7 meters (23 feet) tall. The statue shows Shapur I, who ruled the Sassanid Empire in the 3rd century.

Photo gallery

Here are some beautiful places where you can find amazing stalagmites:

• Coves d'Artà, Mallorca, Spain
• Seven-star Cave, Guilin, China
• A "crayfish back", Jenolan Caves, New South Wales, Australia
• Hérault, France
• Castellana Grotte, Apulia, Italy