Definitions:

• a STALAGMITE is a deposit of calcium carbonate formed by the dripping of water onto the cave’s floor, into the shape of a large inverted icicle, rising from the ground.
• a STALACTITE is a deposit of calcium carbonate formed by the trickling of water from the roof of a cave.

Mnemonic Device:

• Remember, a STALAGMITE pushes up with all its might, and a STALACTITE holds on tight to the roof.

Variations:

• stalaGmite – from the Ground
• stalaCtite – from the Ceiling
• Gee (G), the mites fly up, and see (C) the tights fall down!
• Think of ants in your pants: The mites go up and the tights come down.

Explanation: to distinguish between the words STALAGMITE and STALACTITE