Giant Stalagmites

Massive stalagmites populate a large room in New Mexico's ancient Carlsbad Caverns, a series of caves that formed from the slow process of water erosion.

The monument-like stalagmites built up over thousands or possibly millions of years as water rich in dissolved minerals dripped and dried on the cavern floors.

Although most of the cave's stalagmites are isolated from their original water source—completely halting their growth—some continue to inch toward the cavernous ceiling.

If the stony cones of calcite eventually reach it, they will be known as columns.

—LiveScience Staff

Credit: USGS