Question

Although both are formed by mineral deposits in caverns, stalactites are the formations that hang from the ceiling of the cave, whereas stalagmites build up from the ground. A. Phrase

B. Clause

Answer 1

Stalactites hang from cave ceilings, while stalagmites rise from the floor, both formed by calcium carbonate deposit from dripping water containing dissolved CO₂.

Step-by-step explanation:

Stalactites and stalagmites are formations created by the deposition of minerals within caverns, specifically calcium carbonate. The fundamental distinction between the two lies in their orientation within the cave: stalactites hang from the ceiling, while stalagmites build up from the ground.

This process involves the dissolution of calcium carbonate in water that contains atmospheric CO₂, creating an acidic solution that can dissolve limestone. As this solution seeps through cracks in the rock and enters a cave, water evaporates and the solubility equilibrium shifts, allowing the calcium carbonate to precipitate and form these structures over time.