The underground water dissolves a large quantity of minerals but the same is deposited elsewhere later on. Following features are formed due to depositional work of underground water: 1. Stalactite: The water, containing limestone in solution, seeps through the roof of the caverns in the form of a continuous chain of drops. A portion of the drops hangs on the roof and on the evaporation of water, a small deposit of limestone is left behind contributing to the formation of a stalactite. A stalactite grows downwards from the roof. Its thickness is maximum near the roof and it thins out downwards. 2. Stalagmite: The remaining portion of the drop falls to the floor of the cavern. This also evaporates, leaving behind a small deposit of limestone aiding the formation of stalagmite, thicker and flatter, rising upwards from the floor. Its thickness is maximum at the floor of the cavern and it thins out upwards. 3. Cavern Pillars or Columns: Sometimes a stalactitie from above and stalagmite from below develop towards each other and combine together to form a pillar. This is known as cavern pillar or column.