Sometimes the stalactites and stalagmites would join and a solid pillar would be formed. In the rocks enclosing the Caverns are various deposits of other minerals such as iron oxide which are often carried in minute quantities within the seeping water and deposited on the stalagmites and stalactites. These minerals are responsible for the many different colors that may be seen in many places within the rooms of the Caverns. Some of the formations have a very live and transparent appearance, looking somewhat as though they might have just been given a thorough coat of wax. Actually, these formations are still active. That is, they are still covered with water and the age-old process of depositing the small particles of carbonate of lime contained in the water is still going on. In cave parlance they are "alive", that is, they are still growing. In the Carlsbad Caverns today about 10 per cent of the formations are "alive". Water is seeping in around them and working its wonders. It is this presence of water that gives them the polished, radiant look. When the water no longer reaches the formations, they "die", i.e., they no longer continue to grow. They lose their sheen and lustre and take on a powdery appearance. Geologists differentiate the two primary effects of seeping water in the creation of the formations in caves. Those that are created by water dripping from above, as in the case with stalactites and stalagmites, are referred to as dripstone formations. Those created by the flowing of water over a surface are called flowstone formations. In some rooms of the cave, formations made of flowstone are quite abundant. This is to be found mostly on the floors of the rooms, or on walls where a large volume of water is present. These formations have been referred to as masses which resemble ice that forms on a cold winter's day near a stream of water. Others have described them as "cascades frozen in stone." An additional phase of the cave's development has been described by geologists as the period of collapse. During the centuries when the entire area was saturated with water, limestone blocks on walls and ceilings were weakened by solution, later to crash to the floor, leaving the room larger than ever. This collapsing continued after the cave became "dry" but ended once stability was achieved. Park naturalists tell us no rock has fallen within the cave for thousands of years. So ends the first stage of the history of the great Carlsbad Caverns, their gradual growth and formation over periods of millions of years. Man was still centuries away when their beauties were being created. But were other forms of life inhabiting them? 2 Life Enters the Caverns