In this quest, we will scorch the wonders of stalactites and stalagmites but first of all, let me explain the physical properties and composition of a healthy stalactites and stalagmites base on my observations.
Stalactites and stalagmites are two amazing natural formations which have captivating color, granule, shape and usage for centuries. These unique formations are found in underground caves and are formed over time due to the process of sedimentary, water drips and continuous touch by the small animals like cave bats, spiders, crickets, insects and even snakes.
Stalactites are icicle formations that sticks to the ceiling in varied shapes and size. It may take the shape of teeth, fish scale, upside down mountain-range, cone and in arch-shape. As water drips from the outside ground down towards the ceiling of a cave, it caries various minerals like salts, fungi, calcium, carbon and limestone. With weathering, these minerals accumulate overtime and sticks from the ceiling pointing downward. Depending on the type of soil and the tropicality of the nature outside, stalactites can grow up to several meters and can take for a long period of time.
On the other hand, stalagmites are pillar formations on the floor. They take form due to the drips that came from the stalactites above and an evaporated moisture from the floor which leaves minerals like of the stalactites. That is why stalagmites looks the same as stalactites and may take up to few feet in height. Stalagmites provide a unique habitat for nesting cave bats. The warmness, texture and stillness of such provide an ideal environment for these insects which have adapted over time inside the cave.
The formation of stalactites and stalagmites is slow and gradual under specific conditions inside the cave and with great help from cave animals. The cave must have a constant supply of moist with fungus to aid it inorder to have healthy stalactites and stalagmites, which is rich in minerals, and the temperature and humidity levels must be maintained. The minerals that make up stalactites and stalagmites are derived from the cave's limestone walls. In short, where there are presence of huge stalactites and stalagmites, good water source is sure and abundant within 50-meter radius around that area. The intricate patterns, strokes and shapes create stunning visual displays plus thrill sensation.
Here in my quest for stalactites and stalagmites, by concealing two deep caves here in Tabogon, great wonders appeared to me. Me and my buddies delve this forest on the purpose of discovering various shapes and sizes of stalactites and stalagmites. Upon crawling into three consecutive unknown caves, I discovered these:
One has stalagmites with mushroom shape or somewhat like a bubble shape or dome shape (see image above), This dome-shaped stalagmite forms when water evaporates around a certain space above the ground, leaving behind mineral deposits that accumulates over time. The resulting formation is a dome-shaped structure that can be several inches in diameter. Such stalagmites are only evident in high ceiling caves.
Second, this scaly or curtain-shaped stalagmite. A curtain-shaped stalagmite forms when water drips from an opening from the ceiling of a cave, leaving down mineral deposits that build up over time unmoved. The resulting formation is a long thin structure that hangs down from the wall, resembling a curtain or wavy cloth. Curtain-shaped are often found in caves where the ceiling is quite narrow habituated by bats that helps such shape formed when bats flapped their wings and moves the deposited salts.
Another, the burnt candle shape. A candle-shaped stalagmite forms when water drips from a narrow opening in the ceiling of a cave with abundance of mineral namely, urines of animals, weathering, acidic rain water, and fungi. This form of shape grows faster than other type of stalagmites.
These three forms are the most common here. On the other hand, stalactites too form stunning shapes:
One is the icicle shape. A long upside-down cone-shaped stalactite that points to the ground. With canals or curves around it proves the water way. It is also an evident that a stalagmite is present below it.
Second is the teeth-like shape. These shapes are formed when the water drips from the ceiling symmetrically and extendedly. When minerals build up, water flows to long horizontal manner.
Another is the distorted shape stalactite. It resembles like the ant kingdom underground- its contorted root-shaped passage. An evident of irregular air passing through the accumulated minerals over time.
Overall, the various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites proves the perfectly diverse and natural beauty creation of God.
Please do visit our caves here in the future :)
