Atasa Lagoon

From: Anales del Instituto del Mar y Limnología, 1981
This system is constituted by Atasta, Pom, Río Muerto, Palancares and other coastal lagoons of lesser dimensions. It is part of the deltaic plain of the Usumacinta River, in the state of Campeche, and is isolated from the Gulf of Mexico by a littoral barrier formed by old beach ridges and sandy dunes. The Atasta and Pom lagoons communicate through a narrow channel.

Atasta lagoon is elongated, and its main axis, 9.0 km long, is oriented to the NE-SW. The lagoon’s mean depth is 1.50 m; water level is variable and related to diurnal and seasonal changes. Tide flow enters into Atasta lagoon through a swamp which communicates this lagoon with the Términos lagoon. Currents are related to NE winds and minor tide influence.

Atasta lagoon’s bottom is almost flat, with exception of several organic banks and old beach ridges remnants. There are three artificial channels that refill with sediments.
The evolutionary stages of this lagoon system range from intermediate in Atasta and Pom lagoons, to advanced in Río Muerto, Palancares and other small lagoons.