I am hoping I can get some help from my fellow cavers out there who may have a bit more expertise in the field of identifying speleothems. Here is my primary question: When is a flowstone mound classified as a stalagmite, or vice-versa? I have been exploring a new cave here in AL, and this past weekend I entered a new chamber in this cave which had a 70’ high ceiling. On one side of this room there was a huge flowstone mound / stalagmite that was 30-35’ high and about 15’ in diameter. I am including some photos: This first one is me at the base of it.
This next one is near the top of it.
The last one is the very top. Here it looks more like a flowstone cascade.
The main reason I want to know is so I can label it on my map.
While I am on the subject, I noticed a cave mapping symbol in my mapping book for something called a “stalagmiflat.” I assume that this is a stalagmite with a flattened top, but I could not find a definition for it. This same cave has some formations that I originally marked on my sketch as “pedestals.” They are about 1’ high, 1’ in diameter, and flat on the top.They are not conical at all-the diameter is about the same at the top as it is at the bottom. They are not really not circular either, but more of a sort of random shape, like an amoeba. I was wondering if they would be classified as "stalagmiflats." I have no photos of these. I know the NSS has a book with some of this info, but right now my budget will not allow another expenditure of that size. If anyone can help with this, I would appreciate it.
Trogman