Comprehensive Characterization of Karst Depressions in the Northwestern Yucatan Peninsula Using LiDAR and ASTER GDEM Data

The present study aims to analyze and classify karst depressions in the northeastern coastal region of the Yucatan Peninsula.The karst relief was analyzed from two data sources: a) a mosaic of LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data, and b) a mosaic of AsterGDEM (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer Global Digital Elevation Model) data, which were coupled to generate altimetric data and base models.Subsequently, contour lines were generated by differentiating depressions with a minimum depth of 1m; processing and classifying the depressions by applying an analysis of morphometric measurements, morphological profile classification ("V," "U" and "box") and elongation index (sinkholes, sinkholes-uvulas, uvulas, and poljes).A total of 10672 depressions were identified, where 67% correspond to V-type depressions, 23% to U-type, and 10% to box-type; regarding the elongation index, 18% are sinkholes, 42% sinkholes-uvalas, 13% uvalas, and 27% poljes, being the uvalas and poljes the most complex, due to the structural control of the Holbox and Tikul fault system, with a primary orientation of NE7°SW and secondary orientation of SE83°NW.In addition, an inventory of karst depressions is presented, serving as a basis for managing the coastal karst territory at the municipal level.