Cave 'pendulite', Thailand by John Spies
John Spies

Cave 'pendulite', Thailand by

Pendulites (named after pendulums) form when a stalactite reaches a seasonal cave pool. Successive thin layers of calcite build up as the pool dries out each year, creating this odd-shaped formation. This cave is in Pang Mapha district of Mae Hong Son province.
Canon 5DMKII
24-105 L lens @ 80mm
ISO 100
f/18
7 secs
Illuminated with LED headlight

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About John Spies

I am an Australian expat living in the hills of Mae Hong Son province Thailand (please visit cavelodge.com). I photograph almost everything, above and below ground.

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Tags

cave, caving, stalactite, pendulite, thailand, mae hong son, pang mapha, formation, calcite, asia

Comments

  • artwhiz47
    artwhiz474 months ago

    What a startling formation, John! Have never seen anything quite like this. Excellent lighting from those headlights as well. A real plum! How big is this?

  • It is about squash ball size, but they can get bigger

    – John Spies

  • Trish Meyer
    Trish Meyer4 months ago

    John, this is an amazing formation !
    A first for me too.

  • Thanks Trish, it is often the small strange formations that are the most fascinating.

    – John Spies

  • carboneye
    carboneyeabout 1 month ago

    Sound’s kind of like how candle’s are made, albeit over a much longer period of time, one dip per year! Interesting stuff::}}