I am always confused about the difference between stalactites and stalagmites, which one goes up and which one down. I looked it up…again.
The most common stalactites are a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves. They form through the deposition of calcium carbonate and other minerals. The solution slowly travels through the rock until it reaches the edge and then drips down.
Stalagmites rise from the floor of the cave as the mineral filled water drips from above.
We were able to renew our acquaintance with these amazing structures in Mammoth Cave in Western Australia. The region from Busselton to Augusta is one of Australia’s most cave-rich areas. Mammoth Cave is on the aptly named Caves Road in the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Come for a walk through the cave. It is well named. It is huge…500 metres long and 30 metres deep. Steps lead down into the cave and a timber path winds through it. It is well lit to enable the stunning structures to be seen.
The path eventually leads to the 170 steps that take you out of the cave into the sunlight and the beautiful Marri forest.
A kookaburra sat waiting on a high vantage point for a meal to appear.
More steps….
Mammoth Cave is stunning. Don’t miss it if you are able to drag yourselves away from the many wineries and restaurants in the area.
up or down? that has always confused me too!
By: papershots on January 10, 2018
at 9:54 pm
I will probably forget before I visit another cave.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 10, 2018
at 10:04 pm
haha 🙂
By: papershots on January 10, 2018
at 10:23 pm
You’re certainly having a great tour of my home state.
By: kalgoorliegirl on January 10, 2018
at 10:09 pm
We had a great time in WA. We will return.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:12 am
The way we learned in school to remember:
Stalagmites’might’ reach the top of the cave if they keep getting taller,
and
Stalactites better hold on ‘tight’ to the ceiling of the cave so that they don’t come crashing down.
Not sure if this wordplay might help you, but it’s always helped me remember which is which.
By: Laura on January 10, 2018
at 10:23 pm
I recall hearing that in the distant past. I will try to remember it.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:21 am
I’ve always remembered the difference the someway Laura does. Stalagtites have to hold on tight to not fall down.
By: Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat on January 10, 2018
at 10:46 pm
It’s a good trick to remember the difference.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:22 am
Great photos Deb. It is certainly worth a visit to one of the caves in the area.
By: Kerry & Jim on January 10, 2018
at 10:53 pm
It is a truly interesting thing to do.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:22 am
yes I echo the other comments, I too learnt in school the little saying “Stalactites hang tightly to the ceiling and stalagmites, might grow up to meet the ceiling” 😉
By: Hexsp@ce on January 10, 2018
at 11:49 pm
I’m etching it into my brain.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:22 am
Lets hope it calcifies there for good! chortle 😉
By: Hexsp@ce on January 11, 2018
at 8:31 am
When I visited the Jenolan Caves as a child – almost 70 years ago! – our guide told us that stalaCtites grow from the Ceiling and stalaGmites grow from the Ground. I’ve never forgotten. What a great teacher that guide was!
By: technanna on January 11, 2018
at 12:03 am
…another great way to remember. I will have no excuse in the future.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:23 am
Fabulous photos – I’m going to suggest to Peter that we try to get there maybe next September or October. I remember which is which by thinking that stalactite has a ‘c’ like ‘ceiling’ and stalagmite has a ‘g’ like ‘ground’.
By: Jan on January 11, 2018
at 12:11 am
You and Peter will love the area. There is much to see and do.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:23 am
Remember an easy way someone told me about in High School….stalactites has a “c” which reminds you that it comes from the ceiling! Learned it decades ago and never forgot it. Love your blog. We will be in Bagni di Lucca for three months this summer. Looking forward to it. Can’t wait.
By: Joann Poserina on January 11, 2018
at 3:05 am
I will be in BdL from late February until early June. We might see each other.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:24 am
Deb,
A way to remember…
‘Little mites grow up’ so……stalagmites are the ones going up!
By: Cherry on January 11, 2018
at 5:14 am
I think I will definitely remember in the future.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 5:25 am
Beautiful photos!
By: Mulino Dominillo on January 11, 2018
at 5:56 am
A stalactite is a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves, hot springs, or manmade structures such as bridges and mines.
A stalagmite is a type of rock formation that rises from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings.
FORMATION
Where mineralized water or another transmitting liquid drips from a cave ceiling. Where mineralized water or another transmitting liquid drops onto a cave floor.
DIRECTION
From ceiling, downwards
From ground, upwards
FORMED OF
Limestone, lava, ice, amberat, minerals, mud, peat, pitch, sand, sinter or concrete
Limestone, lava, ice, amberat, minerals, mud, peat, pitch, sand, sinter or concrete
ETYMOLOGY
From the Greek word “stalaktos,” which means ‘that which drips.’
From the Greek word for “stalagma, ” which means ‘a drop’ or ‘dropping.
By: argou23 on January 11, 2018
at 6:59 am
Lots of information, thank you.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 8:50 am
You’re welcome 🙂 I’m glad you appreciates my comment.
By: argou23 on January 15, 2018
at 3:34 am
Beautiful photos and stunning formations in the cave! I am claustrophobic and will let others do the exploring for me. 😉
By: MELewis on January 11, 2018
at 7:09 am
The cave is quite big and fairly open. You might be OK.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 8:48 am
I’ve been to the Jenolan Caves many years ago – the formations are quite stunning
By: Elizabeth Litzow on January 11, 2018
at 7:13 am
I went there as a child and remember being impressed.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 8:48 am
here’s my help in recognising which is which; “M” is for mountain ( they go up) and “T” is for tumbling ( falling down). It comes from Latin most likely.
I am hoping to see you in 2018! Have a good year! Sondra
By: Sondra on January 11, 2018
at 8:30 am
We will be in Italy from February until June. You are welcome.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 11, 2018
at 8:49 am
Great photos, all those stairs! Keep you fit.
By: janetknight57 on January 11, 2018
at 10:37 am
I only climbed those steps once. I need to do it every day!
By: Debra Kolkka on January 12, 2018
at 1:52 am
” -tites from the top.” I’ve never forgotten since hearing that phrase in decades past.
By: Joe on January 11, 2018
at 2:12 pm
Good one!
By: Debra Kolkka on January 12, 2018
at 1:53 am
Lovely pics! I can’t remember the difference between the two as well. Someone told me a mnemonic to remember them but I also can’t remember that 😛
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on January 11, 2018
at 11:55 pm
Indeed a grand show.
By: aFrankAngle on January 12, 2018
at 1:52 am