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  • Stalagmites: Understanding Cave Formation & Terminology
    Stalagmites are formed by speleothems, but they don't have a specific scientific name.

    Speleothem is the general term for any secondary mineral deposit formed in a cave.

    Here's a breakdown:

    * Speleothem: The overarching category for cave formations.

    * Stalagmite: A speleothem that rises from the floor of a cave, formed by dripping water depositing minerals.

    * Stalagtite: A speleothem that hangs from the ceiling of a cave, also formed by dripping water depositing minerals.

    So, while there is no specific scientific name for stalagmites, they are classified under the broader category of speleothems.

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