How is a stalagmite typically formed?

A stalagmite is formed from mineral-rich water that drips from the roof of a cave down to its floor. As the water drips, it leaves behind tiny deposits of minerals, primarily calcium carbonate, as it evaporates. Over time, these mineral deposits accumulate and build up to create the stalagmite structure. This process occurs in cave environments where water continuously seeps through the rock above, bringing dissolved minerals with it.

In contrast, the other options do not correctly explain the formation of stalagmites. Stalagmites specifically grow upwards from the cave floor, which distinguishes them from stalactites that hang down from the ceiling. Wind erosion on rock primarily affects external landscapes but does not play a role in the growth of stalagmites within cave systems.