Due to the presence of such a large number of stegamites in the cave, it has been possible to establish for the first time, based on scientific criteria, an explanatory scheme of the genesis and temporal evolution of these particular speleothems.
The model contemplates eight phases, that take place throughout geological time, which include all the processes that occur since the first stage, the initial formation of the cave, to the current situation, still active.
In Cueva de las Estegamitas, there are specimens that illustrate all the phases of its evolution, in perfect condition, which makes this set a unique case in the world.
1. Cave formation, caused by dissolution in the groundwater-seawater interface.
2. The sea level drops, and consequently, the water leaves the cave.
3. The floor of the cave is filled with sediments.
4. Flowstones and stalagmitic floors are developed over time, trapping the sediments of the floor.
5. The flowstones and stalagmitic floors are fractured, caused by the expansion of the underlaying sediments.
6. A flow of water rises through the fractures. The stegamites start forming.
7. Stegamites start growing by capillary forces through the initial fractures.
8. Complex stegamites develop as new fractures appear.