Article
25 sectionsContents
- Definition and description
- Geology and hydrology
- Penetration and extent
- Freshwater/seawater interface
- Types
- Flora and fauna
- Chicxulub crater
- Archaeology and anthropology
- Scuba diving
- Notable cenotes
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Canada
- Dominican Republic
- Greece
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Yucatán Peninsula
- United States
- Zimbabwe
- See also
- References
- Other sources
- External links
thumb|Cenote at Hubiku, Yucatan
A cenote ( or ; ) is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting when a collapse of limestone bedrock exposes groundwater. The term originated on the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, where the ancient Maya commonly used cenotes for water supplies, and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. The name derives from a word used by the lowland Yucatec Maya——to refer to any location with accessible groundwater.