Paleo Slide Sets

Paleo Slide Set: Climate and the Classic Maya Civilization

Pie diagram illustrating the dissolved ion content of Lake Chichancanab.

This pie diagram illustrates the dissolved ions in lake water from Lake Chichancanab. It is rather salty with total dissolved solids of 4011 mg/L. In fact, Chichancanab in Yucatec Mayan means "little sea", which is an appropriate name in light of its saline, sulfate-rich waters. The dominant anion is sulfate (SO₄) and the dominant cation is calcium (Ca). Chichancanab is saturated for calcium carbonate and is very close to being saturated for the mineral gypsum (CaSO₄).

Photo Credits:
David A. Hodell
Department of Geology, University of Florida

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