Stalactite vs Stalagmite: Understanding Cave Formations #3340387 (License: Personal Use)

This black-and-white illustration clearly distinguishes stalactites-icicle-shaped deposits hanging from cave ceilings-and stalagmites, which grow upward from the cave floor due to mineral deposition. Both form when calcium carbonate-laden water seeps through cracks, evaporates, and leaves behind calcite layers over thousands of years. The diagram is ideal for educational use in earth science curricula or museum exhibits.

Used in geology textbooks, educational websites, and museum displays to teach cave formation processes; matches user intent for learning basic speleology or preparing classroom materials.