THE CENOTE ANGELITA

Just beneath the Cenote Angelita cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, lies an incredible underground flowing river. The extraordinarily beautiful natural phenomenon flows due to hydrogen sulphide. Heavier than salt water, it is deposited at the bottom of the river until forming a distinct layer, creating a proper underwater river. The Cenote Angelita River can reach depths of over 100 meters, with various layers of alternating freshwater and saltwater. Adding to the beauty of the river is the colorful foliage and branches of the nearby, which float along the banks of the river, thanks to the density of the water.

A cave with fresh water is described by the term Cenote. Doline karst is a sinkhole phenomenon which can be seen in different parts of the world, especially in Central America.

Mixing of the fresh and saline water results in a blurry swirling effect caused by refraction between the different densities of fresh and saline waters.

Picture credit: Google