A cone-shaped deposit of minerals rising from the floor of a cave, formed by dripping water containing dissolved limestone or other minerals. Grows upward from the cave floor.
From Greek 'stalagma' meaning 'a drop,' from 'stalassein' (to drip). The term distinguishes these upward-growing formations from their downward-growing counterparts, stalactites.
When stalactites and stalagmites eventually meet after thousands of years, they form a column that can support tremendous weight! The famous 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' stalagmite in Carlsbad Caverns is 62 feet tall and still growing.
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