A cenote is a natural sinkhole or pit that forms when limestone bedrock collapses, exposing the groundwater underneath. Cenotes are predominantly found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico but can also be found in other regions with similar geological features. They were formed over thousands of years through the dissolution of limestone by rainwater, which creates underground caverns and networks of water-filled caves.
Cenotes were of great importance to the ancient Maya civilization, which thrived in the Yucatan region. They were considered sacred, and the Maya used them as a source of fresh water, as well as for religious ceremonies and rituals. Some cenotes were believed to be portals to the underworld, and offerings or sacrifices were made to the gods.
The geology of cenotes is largely tied to the karst landscape, which is characterized by the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. The Yucatan Peninsula, where cenotes are predominantly found, is composed of porous limestone, making it an ideal location for karst formation.
Cenotes are formed through a process called chemical weathering, which involves the slow dissolution of the limestone by slightly acidic rainwater. Rainwater becomes acidic when it interacts with carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3). This weak acid dissolves the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) present in the limestone, creating underground cavities and channels.
Over time, the continuous dissolution of limestone enlarges these cavities and channels, creating extensive networks of underground caves and water-filled tunnels. Eventually, the rock above these cavities may become too thin and weak to support its own weight, leading to the collapse of the surface layer and the formation of a sinkhole, or cenote.
Types of Cenotes
Cenotes can be classified into different types based on their geological features.
- Open cenotes: These are characterized by a large, open body of water, similar to a pond or lake. The surface layer has completely collapsed, exposing the water to the open air.
- Semi-open cenotes: These have partially collapsed surface layers, creating an opening that allows sunlight to enter while still retaining some of the cave-like features.
- Cave cenotes: These are completely enclosed within a cave or underground chamber, with no direct access to sunlight. They often have intricate formations, such as stalactites and stalagmites, created by mineral-rich water dripping from the cave ceiling over thousands of years.
Cenotes are part of a more extensive hydrogeological system called an aquifer, which is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock. In the Yucatan Peninsula, this aquifer is mainly composed of limestone, and the cenotes act as natural access points to the underground water reserves.