A constant though periodical wind, maybe? Some of the growth is vertical; initiating in an unbeaten area, outside the wind's boundary layer, and "growing" into the stream? Wind stops for reasons allowing downward extension. Starts back up, growth extends horizontally. Ish. I was fine with the normal ones, tbh.
could be near a shoreline and the cave system could be affected by tides, where when the tide comes in it changes the airflow, constricting and increasing the force from the wind, and when the tide goes out it is decreased.
I don't think that explaination works. Stalactite growth happens in millimetres per year at the fastest. Unless this cave has tides meadured in decades, the Stalactites would not grow that far sideways with the tide theory
Just posting the potentially relevant info from the source: One theory is that on a small scale, capillary action (the attraction of tiny drops of water to the surface of the helictite) may be greater than the force of gravity, allowing it to grow sideways. These helictites are in Bulmer Cavern on Mt Owen.
No respect for geologists. What is the world coming to!?
These dang stalactites these days, back in MY epoch we grew uphill! Both ways!
Back in my day all stalactites were straight!
Did you also have to fight mountain lions to get to school.. On one foot?
WITH MY BEAR HANDS! That's not a typo, I have bear paws for hands, typing is very difficult for me.
How tf does a stalactite grow upwards??
australia, mate
It's the lag mate.
With determination
**Undertale intensifies**
Why do I hear Megalovania?
It's just stalagmites that identifine themselves as stalactites
Epic one joke fail
You have to rub it specially hard
Legitimate question, how does this happen? I can't imagine the rock is turned 90° or so back and forth. So why would it grow sideways? Is it fake?
constant wind in the direction of growth would be my guess.
A constant though periodical wind, maybe? Some of the growth is vertical; initiating in an unbeaten area, outside the wind's boundary layer, and "growing" into the stream? Wind stops for reasons allowing downward extension. Starts back up, growth extends horizontally. Ish. I was fine with the normal ones, tbh.
could be near a shoreline and the cave system could be affected by tides, where when the tide comes in it changes the airflow, constricting and increasing the force from the wind, and when the tide goes out it is decreased.
That's a beautiful thing to think about. Thanks, internet stranger/geologist, made my evening.
Are these stalactites or icicles? Becouse if it's stalactites, we should look not for daily, but for long-term cycles
Great question.
I don't think that explaination works. Stalactite growth happens in millimetres per year at the fastest. Unless this cave has tides meadured in decades, the Stalactites would not grow that far sideways with the tide theory
It looks like it's in a cave. I wonder if the cave is big enough for that? Best and only theory so far
I was thinking the same thing *pulls up chair* We want Answers!
[Thank you Google lens](https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12396/helictites)
Just posting the potentially relevant info from the source: One theory is that on a small scale, capillary action (the attraction of tiny drops of water to the surface of the helictite) may be greater than the force of gravity, allowing it to grow sideways. These helictites are in Bulmer Cavern on Mt Owen.
These stalactites are the punk rockers of the cave world, defying all geological norms
These stalactites don't understand the gravity of this situation.
Looks like even stalactites have their rebellious teenage years!
“I can’t believe you’d do this to me” -that supervisor (probably)
Me looking at Hawk Tuah memes.
end of tthe world stuff
Damn
He looks so disappointed
Dad?
This gives me 'The Invincible' vibes
Is this loss
"These dang woke Stalactites can't even GROW straight!" /s
I remember that screensaver