Coeur Bouliki

28.1°C Water temp · Jun 9

France River 2 - Good 28.1°C

Satellite image of COEUR BOULIKI — Satellite image © Esri

Cœur Bouliki is a bathing site located on the Rivière Blanche in the highlands of Saint-Joseph, Martinique, at an altitude between 300 and 500 metres. Situated 6 kilometres from the town centre and 290 metres altitude, the site is surrounded by the Rabuchon and Morne des Olives forests in a deep valley shaped by river erosion. The site is managed by the Office National des Forêts and features a picnic area and hiking trail. It is a natural monument inscribed in the departmental register and is popular with both local residents and tourists.

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Water

The Rivière Blanche is a mountain river with a steep slope draining an area of 11.5 km² at the Cœur Bouliki ford. Flow characteristics include a single channel, torrential and turbulent flow with large velocity discontinuities, and rocky bottom with blocks of varying size. Width varies between 2 and 10 metres. Average depth is 1.5 metres with maximum depth around 2 metres. Flow velocity ranges from 1.4 m/s during low flow periods to 5.3 m/s during heavy rainfall. Regular slope between 20 and 30 per cent. The river originates at approximately 1200 metres altitude in the Pitons du Carbet massif.

Location

Saint-Joseph, Martinique, approximately 6 kilometres from the town centre. Access via the Durand communal road. Located in the Rivière Blanche valley at altitudes between 300 and 500 metres.

Facilities

Picnic area with waste bins, tables, benches, and shelters (ajoupas). Other activities available include catering, bathing, hiking, and military training. Animals are prohibited.

Season

Year-round, with two peak seasonal periods: tourist season from late November to early April, and summer holidays in July-August.

Water Quality

Water quality data available from 2006 to 2009. The bathing area has natural protection due to dense vegetation coverage in the catchment basin and course of the water, absence of dead zones, and torrential flow characteristics which provide good removal of suspended matter and self-purification. However, high vegetation limits UV ray penetration reducing pathogen elimination capacity. During heavy rainfall, increased turbidity, water height and cloud cover reduce self-purification capacity.

Risks

The Rivière Blanche experiences sudden variations in flow rate. During the dry season (carême) the river can be calm and gentle, but during the rainy season (hivernage) it can become a raging torrent. High vegetation on the watercourse limits sunlight penetration. During heavy rainfall events, increased turbidity and water levels reduce water self-purification capacity to near zero. A drinking water intake (AEP) is situated immediately upstream of the leisure zone, consisting of a concrete and masonry weir that completely blocks the river.