Caverns/Stalactites
Most stalactites are cone-shaped: thick at the top and tapered to a point at the bottom. But some are hollow. Shaped like straws, these stalactites grow when water trickles down their center. As each drip evaporates, it leaves another shell of minerals at the bottom of the tube. Limestone caves often contain stalagmites as well as stalactites. stalactites and stalagmites are both types of dripstones, named because they form from dripping water. Some caves are fully submerged, underwater but also contain stalactite. Studying underwater caves, can give us clues about how climate and sea level have changed over time; And thus, help us better understand and respond to current climate and sea level fluctuations. Exploration of submerged caves can also provide information about past peoples who may have inhabited the caves prior to submergence.
