Poza Garapata, Sistema Zacatón
| Coordinates: | 23.0062 N -98.1647 W |
| No: | 116 (list of all attractions) |
| Category: | Sinkholes, Biotopes |
| Values: | Geology, Biology, Unexplained |
| Rank: | 8 |
| Address: | North America, Mexico, Tamaulipas, southern part of the state, 14 km north-west from Aldama town |
| Depth: | ? |
One of interesting features in the unique Sistema Zacatón karst field is Poza Garapata.
Sistema Zacatón is area with incredible characteristics unparalleled in the world. In total area contains some 20 unusual features - sinkholes, caves, springs created by deep groundwater heated by volcanic processes. Karstification processes here continue today as well - acidic groundwater continues to strip away the limestone and deposits it in unusual travertine formations.
Sinkhole with secret
Surface of Poza Garapata - a rounded sinkhole - is covered with dense vegetation. It is hard to access - sides of the sinkhole are steep and covered with even more dense, thorny vegetation. As it is usual in the thickets of Sistema Zacatón, here are many ticks - hence the name of sinkhole.
Most likely the even bottom if this seemingly simple landmark is just a few metres thick layer of travertine with enormous body of clear water below it - not too far is the unique Poza Seca - very similar sinkhole covered with travertine lid and hiding unknown organisms in the water below it.
Map
See Poza Garapata, Sistema Zacatón on the map of Mexico!
Group of landmarks by Wondermondo
References
- Marcus Gary, Poza Garapata, Sistema Zacatón, research homepage. Accessed in 23rd June 2010
1 July 2010 Gatis Pāvils