Negative exokarstic units as a basis for urban management: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract

Abstract The morphometric characterization of large-scale depressions, with high-resolution contributions and in urban contexts, has been carried out in the cities of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. For Tulum, the inputs have been insufficient in identifying depressions at a detailed level. This research aimed to analyze and characterize the negative exokarstic relief of the city of Tulum through morphometric parameters and urban elements that contribute to the knowledge of the human-nature relationship. From the DEM ALOS PALSAR, contour lines, elevation models, slopes, and shadows were extracted, which allowed the identification of depressions, topographic profiles, and the calculation of morphometric indices; subsequently, the distribution of depressions was analyzed concerning urban elements. The identified depressions were classified into uvalas, sinkholes, and poljes. The analysis of the topographic profiles allowed us to recognize units in the shape of "V" (64%), "U" (19%), and "Hoya" (17%). The highest concentration of type V depressions is observed in the city's central area, characterized by a medium and high population density, as well as the centralization of commercial and public establishments. The detailed characterization of depressions is a planning and management tool for the territory.

Keywords

• Morphometry
• Depressions
• Urban elements
• Hazards
• Urban planning