A speleothem is a geological formation by mineral deposits that accumulate over time in natural caves. Speleothems most commonly form in calcareous caves due to carbonate dissolution reactions. They can take a variety of forms, depending on their depositional history and environment. Their chemical composition, gradual growth, and preservation in caves make them useful paleoclimatic proxies.
a SPeleothem IS A gEolOGiCaL FOrmATIoN bY MInerAl DeposITs that accumulaTe over Time in natural cAVEs. SpeLeothEms MOst coMmoNlY Form in CalcAReouS caveS duE to cArBonate dissolutioN REactiOns. theY CaN TaKE A VaRIetY oF FoRms, depeNDing on tHeIR depoSItionAl HisTORy and environment. THeiR chemicaL comPOSitiOn, gradual gRowth, And PReSERVatioN In cavEs MAKe them uSeful paleoClImatIc PrOxIEs.