Geomorphology of the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin: A GIS-based approach to hydrogeologic mapping

PLoS One. 2021 Aug 2;16(8):e0255496. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255496. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

This paper classifies the karst landscapes of the Petén Plateau and defines the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin by illustrating the distribution of its karst hydrologic features. Archaeological and spatial research of the Mirador-Calakmul area of Guatemala and Mexico has shown it to be a karst basin with geopolitical implications. Current research characterizes the karst landscapes of the Petén Plateau, maps the distribution of karst hydrologic features, and delineates the basin in geomorphological terms. To further this aim, multiple forms of remote sensing data including orthophotographs, a satellite Digital Elevation Model, satellite multispectral images, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data have been integrated to interpret the karst features in the study area. Outcrop study and thin section analysis of the upper Buena Vista Formation document that the dominant lithologies are a shallow water algal boundstone interbedded with terrestrial caliche. Karst landforms have been mapped over the Petén Plateau and we identify five karst landscapes, the largest of which is a fluviokarst landscape dominated by karst valleys. We further map karst hydrologic features including seasonal swamps, dolines, intermittent lakes, intermittent streams, solution-enhanced fractures, and springs all of which are characteristic of drainage basins. Boundaries of the karst basin are mapped from multiple lines of evidence including distribution of the karst valleys, a line of springs along the western boundary of the fluviokarst landscape, and a surface drainage analysis. We capture and classify hydrologic data points and develop a regional groundwater map that indicates subsurface flow from east to west within the basin. A drainage map illustrates the extensive system of karst valleys, boundaries, and inferred groundwater flow paths of the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin. It was within this geomorphological setting that the ancient Maya developed an extensive civilization during the Middle and Late Preclassic periods (1000 BCE-150 CE).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Geographic Information Systems / statistics & numerical data*
  • Groundwater / analysis*
  • Guatemala
  • Hydrology
  • Natural Springs / analysis*
  • Remote Sensing Technology / methods*
  • Rivers / chemistry*

Grants and funding

Funding for the research noted in this paper was provided by the Foundation for Anthropological Research & Environmental Studies (FARES; RH; https://www.fares-foundation.org/), FARES-Guatemala (RH), Global Conservation Foundation (RH; https://globalconservation.org/), Mammel Foundation (RH), Global Heritage Fund (RH; https://globalheritagefund.org/), Pettit Foundation (RH), Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation (RH; https://www.thegilbertfoundation.org/), Mirador Conservation Fund (JT), Nacional Agro Industrial, S.A. (RH; https://www.facebook.com/NAISAGT/), Wolf Creek Foundation (RH; http://www.wolfcreekfoundation.com/), Morgan Family Foundation (RH; https://morganfamilyfdn.org/), Jay I. Kislak Foundation (RH; https://www.kislak.com/), the Selz Foundation (RH), Asociación de Amigos del Patrimonio Natural y Cultural de Guatemala (RH; http://apanacguate.org/), Fundaselva Guatemala (RH; https://fundaselva.org/), National Geographic Society (RH, Grant # SP 08-15; https://www.nationalgeographic.org/), the U.S. Department of the Interior International Affairs Program (RH), and the Victoria Earl-Mion Trust (RH). The LiDAR data were acquired with funding provided by FARES (RH), the Mirador Conservation Fund (RH), the National Geographic Society (RH), and Eagle Mapping (RH and JT; https://www.eaglemapping.com/). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.