Which outcome occurs when the saturation index of the drip water source above a stalactite falls below equilibrium?

💡 Explanation

Stalactite growth slows because calcium carbonate deposition requires supersaturated water; the shift towards undersaturation induces carbonate dissolution at the stalactite tip rather than growth. Therefore, the stalactite growth rate declines locally, rather than accelerating global deposition.

• Which outcome primarily follows increased rainfall over poorly draining, sandy soils?
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• Which outcome occurs when heavy rainfall saturates floodplains?
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• Which outcome reduces streamflow variability during seasonal Arctic ice melt?