Figure 15.19
GEO-GRAPHIC: Dripstone development. (A) Dripstones form as water drips through the open air of a cavern and deposits calcium carbonate. (B) The Frasassi Caves, near the town of Genga, Italy, contain excellent examples of dripstones. The inset photo shows a polished cross-section of a stalactite and the hollow soda straw center that forms in the stalactite.(B. left, © A. de Gregorio/DeAgostini/Getty Images; right, © David K. Lynch)