You’ve probably heard of stalagtites (ceiling) and stalagmites (floor) before. These cave formations, along with others like flowstone, helictites, and cave pearls, are called “speleothems.” Cave formations are developed over millions of years as mineral-rich water drips, flows, and ponds in the cave, leaving behind condensed calcite in beautiful shapes that decorate the caves like crystal palaces. Formations don’t develop when caves are submerged in water, because mineral condensation can’t occur. But most of the caves in coastal Yucatan are both flooded and highly decorated. How did this happen? The caves here were dry in the last ice age, about 15,000 years ago, when the earth was cooler and the sea level was lower. This allowed the beautiful speleothems to grow here, but also means that what we see now, is all that will ever be. The stalagmites in this room, part of project cave “B” are a beautiful reminder of the importance of protecting the caves in Mexico. With @henryfrawleyfulcher #caveexploration #cenotes #rivieramaya #tulum #playadelcarmen #innerspace #wetpixel #uwphotography #earth #cavediving #cavedivingphotography