In cave geology, what term describes mineral deposits such as 'soda straw' and other formations?

In cave geology, what term describes mineral deposits such as 'soda straw' and other formations?

• A. Calcite
• B. Stalactites
• C. Marmots
• D. Speleothems

Answer: (D)

In cave geology, mineral deposits formed by precipitation of minerals from dripping groundwater are called speleothems. These features grow as water rich in dissolved minerals, typically calcium carbonate, drips through the cave and carbon dioxide escapes, causing the minerals to precipitate and build up over time. Soda straw is a slender, hollow form of a stalactite, which is itself one type of speleothem. Other examples include stalagmites on the floor and flowstones that cover surfaces. So, the umbrella term for soda straws and the other cave formations is speleothems. Calcite refers to the mineral that often makes up these deposits, but it’s not the general category. Marmots are not related to cave mineral formations, and stalactites are specific shapes within the broader category of speleothems.

In cave geology, mineral deposits formed by precipitation of minerals from dripping groundwater are called speleothems. These features grow as water rich in dissolved minerals, typically calcium carbonate, drips through the cave and carbon dioxide escapes, causing the minerals to precipitate and build up over time. Soda straw is a slender, hollow form of a stalactite, which is itself one type of speleothem. Other examples include stalagmites on the floor and flowstones that cover surfaces. So, the umbrella term for soda straws and the other cave formations is speleothems. Calcite refers to the mineral that often makes up these deposits, but it’s not the general category. Marmots are not related to cave mineral formations, and stalactites are specific shapes within the broader category of speleothems.