| HELICTITES |
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HOW DO THEY FORM? Helictites are formed in caves when water under pressure is pushed through a limestone wall, depositing calcite on the other side. WHERE ARE THEY FOUND? Helictites are found in the walls and ceilings of caves and also can be found growing off stalactites and soda straws. Good displays are rare, but there are many excellent helictites in the ceiling of the Jungle Room at California Cavern, and Black Chasm Cave was named a National Natural Landmark in 1976 for its spectacular displays (pictured left) of these fascinating formations. The lower photo shows Black Chasm's trademark dragon helictite. HOW ARE THEY IDENTIFIED? Helictites seem to defy gravity. They usually come out from cave walls horizontally and look like tangles of spaghetti. They can twist and turn or grow very straight and long. |
| For more detailed information on speleothem formation, go to our Cavern Geology lesson plan's section on speleothems by clicking HERE. © 2006 Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation. All rights reserved. |
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