Stalactites and stalagmites are two coneshaped mineral formations that form in caves. Stalactites hang down from the ceiling and stalagmites rise up from the cave floor. What causes cave minerals to form in this way?

Existing minerals change into new minerals when nearby molten rock causes an increase in temperature.

Molten rock cools and hardens as it reaches Earth's surface.

Groundwater carrying dissolved materials combines with surface water and causes minerals to precipitate out of solution.

Groundwater heated by molten rock reacts with minerals in the rock to form new minerals.

Question

Biology

Alexandra Bates

7 March, 19:17

Stalactites and stalagmites are two coneshaped mineral formations that form in caves. Stalactites hang down from the ceiling and stalagmites rise up from the cave floor. What causes cave minerals to form in this way?

Existing minerals change into new minerals when nearby molten rock causes an increase in temperature.

Molten rock cools and hardens as it reaches Earth's surface.

Groundwater carrying dissolved materials combines with surface water and causes minerals to precipitate out of solution.

Groundwater heated by molten rock reacts with minerals in the rock to form new minerals.

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Answers (1)

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Harrison Sweeney · Answer 1

Groundwater carrying dissolved materials combines with surface water and causes minerals to precipitate out of solution.

Stalactite and Stalagmites form when dissolved salts in ground water drips down on the same spot over centuries. From the roof leaving the salt residue behind and on the ground causing a constantly growing mound of minerals.