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Growth layers in a stalagmite

Cross-section of a stalagmite showing growth layers.

This cross-section is of a speleothem from Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park in Australia. Can you see the dark brown layers and the white layers in the rock? The lowest white layer is 15,000 years old, while the top of the rock is only 9,000. The climate has changed over the course of the rock’s growth, leading to different-coloured layers representing different growth periods.

Glossary

Rights: Robert Brodnax
Published: 21 March 2024Size: 596.08 KB
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