Tinaja

A tinaja [tiˈnaxa], sometimes tenaja, is a surface pocket (depression) formed in bedrock that occurs below waterfalls, that is carved out by spring flow or seepage, 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.

These relatively rare landforms are important ecologically, because they support unique plant communities and provide important services to terrestrial wildlife.

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