Helictites, Gourdneck Cave, Tennessee Helictites are deformed soda straws. Soda straws form when drips of water accrue a mineral deposit, in this case calcite, around their perimeter. Drop by drop, year by year they grow larger and form "straws" which convey water through their center. Helictites are thought to form when the end of a soda straw plugs up and the water pushes its way out elsewhere. They may also form in environments where soda straws grow in high winds. This was one of an estimated 80 bundles around a largely pristine room. @scci_caves @nsscaves @geologypage #geology #caveformation #beamazed #weird #geologyrocks #geologypage #geologyporn #geologywonders #science #cave #caving #nsscaves #mineral #exotic #nature #tennessee https://www.instagram.com/p/B79r4AUh2b-/?igshid=lap18o20qp1n
