Riviera Maya, Q.R. — The Government of Mexico is supporting a new underground project of hidden water connections. The project includes studying the main unexplored underground water routes across the Peninsula.
“The knowledge generated by MAYAS will contribute to understanding these transport routes, identifying vulnerable areas, and providing a scientific basis for developing effective protection and conservation measures,” the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, a government project supporter, said.
The Yucatan Peninsula is home to an immense underground water system that is an essential source of life for millions of people and closely linked to numerous ecosystems.
In this context, the MAYAS Project proposes a new scientific hypothesis: the most extensive known underground river systems and flooded caves are, to a large extent, secondary manifestations of a much larger hydraulic system, whose main water conduction structures remain virtually unexplored.
The project proposes a new interpretation of the origin and function of the most extensive known underground river systems and flooded caves in the world.
With the support of the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) and the participation of international scientists, the MAYAS research project is underway in the Yucatán Peninsula.
This project studies the main underground water routes of a vast aquifer that remain largely unexplored. Led by Robbie Schmittner, an explorer and cave diving expert, the project proposes a new interpretation of the origin and function of the most extensive known flooded cave systems in the world.
The peninsula is home to Ox Bel Ha and Sac Actun, the two most extensive known systems of underground rivers and flooded caves in the world. In total, approximately 2,000 kilometers of underwater passages have been explored and mapped in the region, but, according to the MAYAS hypothesis, much of this cave system, including extensive sections of Ox Bel Ha and Sac Actun, represents secondary manifestations of a larger-scale hydraulic system, the main structures of which remain largely unexplored.
“The MAYAS research model considers six major geological structures that could play a fundamental role in the regional circulation of groundwater: the Ring of Cenotes, the Sierrita de Ticul, Río Hondo, Holbox, Akumal, and the Arco de La Libertad. The project investigates the connections between these structures and their influence on water movements at a regional scale,” Conanp (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas) explained.
“Furthermore, according to the MAYAS scientific hypothesis, the current and pressure conditions generated by the intense ocean currents in the Yucatán Channel, between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, constitute the main driving force behind subterranean water movements on a regional scale. This hypothesis will be evaluated through scientific research and field measurements,” they added.
From the air, drones equipped with geophysical instruments take measurements aimed at identifying hidden fracture zones, possible cave structures, and underground water circulation routes.
On the surface, research teams follow the clues obtained, examine geological structures, and look for cenotes and other natural access points to the underground water system.
Underground, specialized underwater speleologists explore the flooded passages, map their routes, and conduct scientific research. Their activities include measuring flow rates, currents, and water quality, as well as collecting samples for DNA, algae, bacteria, and other biological analysis.
Tourism, agriculture, fishing, and numerous other economic activities depend on healthy ecosystems and reliable water resources. At the same time, pollutants can travel great distances through groundwater and affect ecosystems far removed from where they were introduced.
The main project focuses on understanding the groundwater system, its origin, circulation routes, and connections. However, the explorations also open up research opportunities that extend far beyond the original hydrological objectives.
The knowledge generated will be shared through scientific publications, collaboration with conservation authorities and institutions, as well as educational activities aimed at schools, universities and the general public.
The project’s scope is not limited to the Yucatán Peninsula. Its research extends to Veracruz and includes regions of southern Mexico located outside the peninsula. Long-term plans include expanding the work to Belize and Guatemala.
The MAYAS Project is supported by the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative. Its scientific work is carried out in collaboration with national and international universities and research centers, as well as Mexican government institutions, including the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp).
MAYAS also receives support from the Honorary Consulate of Germany in Mexico, which facilitates international cooperation and the development of the research project.
