Author Question: How are stalactites different from stalagmites? Why do they typically form in pairs and often merge ... (Read 81 times)

jc611 · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

How are stalactites different from stalagmites? Why do they typically form in pairs and often merge to
form a column? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the artesian system that underlies South Dakota and extends to central Texas in the Dakota
Sandstone What will be an ideal response?

shailee · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Stalactites are dripstone formations shaped like icicles that hang from the roof of a cave. Stalagmites
are dripstone formations that project upward from the floor of a cave. They form in pairs because they
are from the same dripping source and the two may continue growing until they merge.

Answer to Question 2

The aquifer is recharged where it is exposed along the margins of the Black Hills of South Dakota, and
the aquifer is used extensively for irrigation. The hydrostatic pressure of this system was originally
enough to produce free-flowing wells and operate waterwheels, but now the hydrostatic pressure in
some of the wells is so low that the water must be pumped.