Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: rosalind dna on 09/12/2007 21:27:59

Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: rosalind dna on 09/12/2007 21:27:59
I have always known about Stalactites and Stalactmites, but I am not sure which ones
hang from the roof of a cave and grow from the floor.
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: paul.fr on 09/12/2007 22:04:12
Stalagtites grow downwards, and Stalagmites grow upwards. Harry Hill has a funny way to remember this..but it is too rude for a family forum.
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: Bass on 09/12/2007 23:33:43
The easy way to remember-
Stalactite has a "c" for ceiling (grows down)
Stalagmite has a "g" for ground (grows up)
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: paul.fr on 10/12/2007 00:07:56
Quote
Stalactite has a "c" for ceiling (grows down)

only when you can spell correctly! Thanks for not pointing my spelling error out  [;)]
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: Alandriel on 10/12/2007 12:39:07
You know what's really weird though?

Supposedly (according to wiki that is) both words come from greek:

stalaktites, (Σταλακτίτης)
stalagma (Σταλαγμίτης)

same word - same meaning: to drip, dripping or drop

I don't get that   [???]
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: rosalind dna on 11/12/2007 23:16:29
Also what is the mineral that the Stalactites and Stalagmites consist as they form.
Limestone?
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: Bass on 11/12/2007 23:30:07
Calcite (Calcium Carbonate), which is dissolved from limestone by water
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: rosalind dna on 11/12/2007 23:36:52
thanks
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: that mad man on 12/12/2007 15:15:57
The way I used to remember, "tights" hang down.
Title: What is the difference between a Stalactite and a Stalacmite ?
Post by: neilep on 12/12/2007 15:59:03
I have always known about Stalactites and Stalactmites, but I am not sure which ones
hang from the roof of a cave and grow from the floor.



I always remember that Stalactites hang on TIGHT and Stalagmites  build up with all their MIGHT !