8MB PDF - Association for Mexican Cave Studies

Underwater Caverns ofQUINTANA ROOby James CokeIn the last few years a whole new areaof cave exploration has opened in Mexico'snewest state, Quintana Roo. This is thesystematic study of underwater caves byproperly trained and equipped explorers.The Yucatan Peninsula has long been knownas a rich karst area. One could cite thefamous Sacred Well of Chichen Itza and theBolonchen as prime examples. These northerncaves have become favorites for touristsand explorers due to their accessibilityand proximity to several large cities.Quintana Roo, however, has had relativelyfew speleological studies due to past remotenessfrom civilization. Only in thelast decade have modern roads and townsbeen built, largely as result of growingtourism.At the present time more than 20 individualunderwater cave systems have beenexplored, each having its own particularcharacter. caves laying 6 to 10 kilometersfrom the coast tend to be different thanthose caves nearer the coast. Large domerooms, complex tunnel systems, and highlydecorated ceilings and walls constitute thecharacter of these inland caves. Access isgained to the inland cave systems throughcenotes. Cenote is a Mayan word for acollapsed sinkhole filled with water.Above: Johanna deGroot in Cenote Hermana de Naharon.(James Coke)59