A tinaja , sometimes tenaja, is a surface pocket (depression) formed in bedrock that occurs below waterfalls, that is carved out by spring flow or seepage,Osterkamp, W. R. 2008. Annotated Definitions of Selected Geomorphic Terms and Related Terms of Hydrology, Sedimentology, Soil Science and Ecology: Reston, Virginia, Open File Report 2008-1217, pp 49 or that is caused by sand and gravel scouring in intermittent streams (arroyos). The term usually implies a natural or geologic cistern in rock which retains water. They are often created by erosional processes within intermittent streams.
Tinajas are an important source of surface water storage in arid environments.Brown, T. B. and R. R. Johnson. 1983. The distribution of bedrock depressions (tinajas) as sources of surface water in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 18: 61-68.
These relatively rare landforms are important ecologically, because they support unique plant communities and provide important services to terrestrial wildlife.National Park Service (NPS). 2006. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument Ecological Monitoring Report, 1997–2005, Chapter 14: Water Quality.https://www.nps.gov/orpi/learn/nature/orpi-ecological-monitoring-report.htm
Etymology From the Spanish tinaja: a clay pot or earthenware jar, and is used in the American Southwest.
United States Before European settlers came to America, tenajas were a valuable source of water for early Native Americans traveling in the desert areas of the Southwest. Today, tenajas are an integral part of sustaining life in the arid Southwest. For example, tenajas at the Santa Rosa Plateau in southern California allow western pond turtles, California newts and red-legged frogs to survive through dry summer months.
During prolonged dry spells, deep tinajas may trap desert animals who cannot climb out due to the smooth walls.
Examples The Tinajas Altas ("high tinajas") in southern Arizona. Several in El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, Sonora, Mexico. Las Tinajas de Los Indios, California Las Tinajas, Zinapécuaro, Mexico San Estaban Dam on Alamito Creek at the tinaja in Presidio County, Texas Seven Sacred Pools, Sedona, Arizona Tenaja Canyon Creek, Cleveland National Forest, California, USA Ernst Tinaja, Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA Santa Rosa Plateau Wildlife Area, Riverside County, California, USA
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