2006-12-05 10:26:49 · 2 answers · asked by oldjez 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
If the stalactite has formed in cave system that is subject to seasonal water flows, e.g. where rain falls mainly in winter and seeps into the cave predominantly at that time of year, then it is possible to measure the age of a stalactite by counting the rings, as can be done for a tree.
A less destructive way to estimate the age is to monitor the rate of growth and extrapolate backwards based on that. Since the rates of growth are very slow it would take months or even years to get that measurement.
2006-12-05 10:37:02 · answer #1 · answered by Tim N 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The last time I visited a cave the guide said that some stalactites have rings, like tree rings, that are caused by alternations of rainy and dry seasons. These can be counted. Obviously this would only work if there were very pronounced seasonal variations.
I have no idea if the guide was fantasising or not, but it sounded plausible.
2006-12-05 10:33:17 · answer #2 · answered by iansand 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋