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Cenote (pronounced in English say-no-tay, plural: cenotes) is the name given in the southern part of Mexico and Central America to freshwater-filled limestone sinkholes. Cenotes are fully or partially collapsed karst caves. Mature cenotes often resemble small, circular lakes or lagoons with vertical edges. The name cenote (pronounced in Spanish theh-naw-teh) derives from Mayan language dzonot.
Cenotes have long been major sources of water in much of the Yucatan peninsula, most of which lacks other easily accessible year-round water. The Maya city of Chichén Itzá was built around a cluster of these natural wells. Some cenotes like the Cenote of Sacrifice in Chichén Itzá played an important role in Maya rites. It was believed that these pools were gateways to the other world, and valuable items were sometimes thrown into them. Golden sacrificial artifacts were found in such cenotes, leading to the archaeological exploration of most cenotes in the first part of the 20th century.
Some cenotes flow out to the ocean. Where the fresh and saltwater meet, a blurry halocline layer can be found. This phenomena can occur many kilometres inland, and is usually found at depths between 10-20 meters.
Cenote Park
Cenote Park, located at Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, contains many cenotes. These cenotes provide access to extensive underwater cave systems such as the Nohoch Nah Chich cave. Caves such as Dos Ojos Cavern have attracted cave divers and there are organised efforts to explore and map the underwater systems.
External links
Caves of Mexico | Depressions | Limestone caves | Geography of Mesoamerica
"Cenote"