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Stalactite |
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stalactite
a cylindrical mass of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof of a limestone cave: formed by precipitation from continually dripping water stalactite [stə′lak‚tīt] (geology) A conical or roughly cylindrical speleothem formed by dripping water and hanging from the roof of a cave; usually composed of calcium carbonate. Stalactite in architecture, a decorative projection having the form of a prism and arranged in rows, one above the other. The name derives from the stalactites that form in caves. Stalactites are characteristic of medieval architecture of Arab countries, Iran, and Middle Asia. They usually were used to form cornices on pendentives, semidomes, and niches. Stalactite a sinter-drip, usually limestone formation that hangs from the ceilings and upper walls of karst caves and has the shape of an icicle, pipe, comb, or fringe. Stalactites occur as the result of the precipitation of calcium carbonate when carbon dioxide is removed from carbonate-saturated water. Gypsum and salt stalactites formed through evaporation are sometimes found. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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