Explore: Speleothems

majority of speleothems are calcareous, composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) minerals (calcite or aragonite). Less commonly, speleothems are made of

volcanic fields. Cave formations can take on two major forms, speleothems and speleogens. Speleothems are deposits of minerals that form after the initial cave

form through dissolution of rock by sulfuric acid. Calcium carbonate speleothems (secondary deposits) in the forms of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone

example Harwoods Hole). Many cave environments are very fragile. Many speleothems can be damaged by even the slightest touch and some by impacts as slight

between 25 and 27 °C, with a humidity higher than 95%. All sorts of speleothems, where numerous endemic troglobionts are living, can be found along the

(crystallized urine of pack rats). A stalactite is not necessarily a speleothem, though speleothems are the most common form of stalactite because of the abundance

visitors since its discovery in 1878. The cavern system is adorned with speleothems such as columns, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools

happen as well. A speleothem is a geological formation by mineral deposits that accumulate over time in natural caves. Speleothems most commonly form

common type of speleothem. The individual nodules of cave popcorn range in size from 5 to 20 mm and may be decorated by other speleothems, especially aragonite

Frisia, S.; Cheng, H.; Edwards, R.L.; Tüysüz, O.; Fleitmann, D. (2014). "Speleothems as sensitive recorders of volcanic eruptions – the Bronze Age Minoan