Within a sealed limestone cave system with minimal airflow and a stable humidity near 100%, which process slows stalactite growth?

💡 Explanation

Stalactite growth depends on carbon dioxide concentration gradient that drives dissolved calcium bicarbonate equilibrium shift. A reduced gradient inhibits calcium carbonate precipitation because less CO2 diffuses out of dripping water, therefore less deposition occurs, rather than enhanced evaporation or temperature changes being the dominant factor.

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