Describe the salient features of stalactites and stalagmites and process of their formation.

Stalactites and Stalagmites: Features and Formation Process:

Stalactites and Stalagmites are classic speleothem depositional landforms formed inside underground Karst limestone caverns:

• 1. Chemical Process of Formation:
  • Rainwater absorbs atmospheric $CO_2$ forming weak carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$), which dissolves calcium carbonate ($CaCO_3$) limestone rocks into soluble Calcium Bicarbonate [$Ca(HCO_3)_2$]: $CaCO_3 + H_2O + CO_2 ightleftharpoons Ca(HCO_3)_2$
  • When this solution drips from the cavern ceiling, $CO_2$ degasses and water evaporates, redepositing pure solid calcite precipitate.
• 2. Stalactites (आकाशीय स्तंभ):
  • Icicle-like calcite columns that grow downwards from the ceiling of the cave as successive drops deposit concentric calcite rings.
• 3. Stalagmites (धरातलीय स्तंभ):
  • Broader, flatter mound-like calcite pillars that grow upwards from the cave floor where falling drips splash.
• Cave Pillar: When a stalactite and stalagmite grow and fuse together, they form a solid Cave Pillar / Column (गुहा स्तंभ) (e.g., Kutumsar Caves in Bastar, Gupteshwar Caves).