The Beginning Caver's Glossary
Cave Formations: The generic term to describe the mineral deposits formed inside a cave. These are more specifically called speleotherms, or “cave deposits,” and are created by seeping water through the cracks in the walls of the cave and dissolving certain mineral compounds such as gypsum, calcite, and aragonite. Cave formations are categorized by the shape of the deposits left behind.
Soda Straws: Very thin cave formations that are usually the first stage of stalactites. They are formed when water and minerals drip from the ceilings of the cave and crystallize.
Ø Soda Straws and Helictites - Earth Science Picture of the Day
Stalactites: The word stalactite comes from the Greek stalasso, which means “to drip,” and, thus, a stalactite is formed by dripping water and minerals from the ceiling in a cavern. Stalactites can become very large and wide, but they become narrower at the bottom, usually coming to a point or cone.
Ø Boston University School of Theology Archives
Stalagmites: Stalagmites are cave formations that form when calcium carbonate is deposited on a cave floor, usually of limestone, and begin to crystallize and create mounds. These mounds rise from the floors of the caves to create massive formations, and layers and layers are formed around the central core.
Ø LU News. Secret History of Stalagmites
Ø The Virtual Cave: Stalagmites
Columns: Columns are created when stalactites and stalagmites come together and fuse from the top of the cave and the bottom of the cave, respectively.
Ø Pictures of Cave Rock Formations: Limestone Column 2
Cave Coral: Also known as “cave popcorn,” due to its resemblance to such, cave coral is clusters of calcium carbonate which forms on the surfaces of cave walls, floors, and even other cave formations. Cave coral can come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be quite decorative.
Ø Missouri Speleological Survey
Draperies: Cave draperies, which resemble curtains on a window, form when mineral-rich water runs down the sidewalls of a cave. Tension on the walls allow the water to run slowly, and the minerals crystallize on the surface of the wall, creating ripple effects and layers of mineral deposits.
Flowstone: Flowstone is very similar to cave draperies, but it tends to be thicker and may also occur on the cave floor. Flowstone does not usually have the flowing appearance of draperies, and will not be translucent.
Ø Limestone caves Flowstone- Phang Nga Bay
Commercial Caves: Show caves, also called commercial caves, are caves that are available to the public for an admission price. They are generally lighted, maintained with proper trails, they observe regular hours, and they usually provide guided tours.
Ø Cave Books After Twenty Years
Wild Caves: Wild caves are not maintained for the general public. If one would want to venture into a wild cave, it should be after careful instruction and preparation in caving. Many dangers can be found in wild caves as floors are uneven, ceilings may be unstable, and corridors may be very narrow. Tours are often available with experienced cavers as guides.
