Sistema Zacatón is an 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, there are many ticks – hence the name of sinkhole.
Most likely the even bottom if this seemingly simple landmark is just a few meters thick layer of travertine with an 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.
References
- Marcus Gary, Poza Garapata, Sistema Zacatón, research homepage. Accessed in the 23rd June 2010
Poza Garapata on the map
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Location, GPS coordinates: | 23.0062 N 98.1647 W |
Categories: | Sinkholes, Ecosystems, Lakes and streams |
Values: | Geology, Biology, Unexplained |
Rating: | ![]() |
Where is located? | North America, Mexico, Tamaulipas, southern part of the state, 14 km north-west from Aldama town |
Depth: | ? |
Landmarks of Mexico

Area of this country was cradle of several highly developed indigenous civilizations and some regions in the country are dotted with remnants of ancient cities with temples, palaces and pyramids.
Sinkholes

Recommended books
Hypogene Karst Regions and Caves of the World
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Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science
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