The ABC Word of the Day is: Spelunk [spill-unghk] v. to explore caves, especially as a hobby Caving, or sometimes called spelunking, is an outdoor activity that involves exploring natural caves. Some people cave for physical exercise and adrenaline rushes, while others simply enjoy exploring unseen natural beauty and history. While exploring caves, spelunkers might crawl through tight spaces to see such cave formations as stalagmites and stalactites. Though they are often confused with one another, stalagmites and stalactites are two different formations. Stalactites are shaped like icicles; they hang from the roof of a cave or crevice. Stalagmites are like upside down icicles, projecting up from the floor of a cave; they formed by continually dripping water. Still don’t think you can remember the difference between the two? Think of it this way: You might (“mite”) trip over a stalagmite, but stalactites hold tight (“tite”) to the ceiling. If you want to learn more about spelunking, see this website: http://www.caves.org/
Friday, July 8, 2011
Word of the Day: Spelunking
-Spelunking-
For more information about general earth formations, including plate tectonics and earthquakes, check out this sci-link:
