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Hydrography : rivers, lakes and cenotes (sinkholes) The Yucatan Peninsula’s hydrography is quite distinctive and is in complete contrast to normal water catchment systems (surface rivers, for example), as the Peninsula consists of a layer of limestone (characteristically porous) through which rainwater filters. The water subsequently erodes the fragile calcareous rock, leading to the formation of many cracks and crevices, which become the underground channels along which excess water flows towards the sea. Subterranean deposits of water are known as “dzonot” in Yucatecan Mayan. In Spanish this geographical feature is quite simply called a “cenote”. When they dry up they are called caves. ‘Cenotes or sinkholes (the nearest English translation), are sorted according to their shape and form: 1. Jug-shaped (like that of Zacci in Valladolid) 2. With vertical Walls (like the sacred cenote in Chichen Itza) 3. With the form of a pool or spring (like Xlacah in Dzibilchaltun) 4. In a cave (like Xkeken and Sasulá in Valladolid). Many people find it much easier to interpret the landscape of the base of the Peninsula, far to the south. This area, along with the highlands, has several volcanic zones, for example in parts of Chiapas and Guatemala and its hydrography is also quite different. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls abound. There are many more ecosystems with greater biodiversity and vegetation ranging from tropical rainforests to coniferous forests (pine, birch, etc.). Terrain When we consider the terrain, the northern part of the Yucatan peninsula is less fertile than the rest of the Maya zone, for example, the cool highlands of Chiapas and Guatemala.