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Wonder
Poza Tule, Sistema Zacaton
In short
One of the largest sinkholes in the unique Sistema Zacatón is Poza Tule. This sinkhole has a diameter of some 200 – 250 m.
39.3%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Depth
Map of the site
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In detail
Sistema Zacatón is an area with incredible characteristics unparalleled in the world. In total, this 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 triple bottom
Rims of Poza Tule are enclosed with a belt of dense reed vegetation, the plain bottom is covered with shallow water. This waterbody was reached after hard cutting through the bush in March 2002.
Geophysical investigations showed that below the shallow pool is located travertine layer with thickness fluctuating from less than 2 m to more than 4 m. Below this travertine lid is up to 45 m deep water-filled void. Below it there is the next travertine lid – the second cap!
Such sealed voids full of thermal water may serve as ideal isolated habitats for anoxic bacteria from the previous ice age periods.
References
- Marcus Gary, Poza Tule, Sistema Zacatón, research homepage. Accessed on June 27, 2010
Linked articles
Wonders of Mexico
Few countries in the world can offer such an array of unique and astounding attractions as Mexico.
The area of this country was the 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
This category includes outstanding sinkholes – large natural depressions or holes, which for most the part represent collapsed caves.
Lakes and streams
There are many factors that can make lakes, sea bays, or rivers unusual. Some lakes have unusual chemical properties and even do not contain water at all – such as lava lakes. Others may have unusual animals living in them or… legends about such animals.
Recommended books
Hypogene Karst Regions and Caves of the World
This book illustrates the diversity of hypogene speleogenetic processes and void-conduit patterns depending on variations of the geological environments by presenting regional and cave-specific case studies. The cases include both well-known and newly recognized hypogene karst regions and caves of the world. They all focus on geological, hydrogeological, geodynamical, and evolutionary contexts of hypogene speleogenesis.
Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science
The Encyclopedia of Caves and Karst Science contains 350 alphabetically arranged entries. The topics include cave and karst geoscience, cave archaeology and human use of caves, art in caves, hydrology and groundwater, cave and karst history, and conservation and management. The Encyclopedia is extensively illustrated with photographs, maps, diagrams, and tables, and has thematic content lists and a comprehensive index to facilitate searching and browsing.
