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L'îlet Sainte Marie et son Tombolo

. Bd Désir JOX - Bourg 97230 Sainte-Marie (Martinique)
Phone : 05 96 69 13 83
SAINTE MARIE ISLET

Former port located in the village, it is attached to the beach by a curious path of sand called Tombolo.

THE TOMBOLO: CURIOSITY OF NATURE

This word of Italian origin refers to a sandy arrow that usually connects an island to the Mainland.
The tombolo of Sainte-Marie is the result of the action of the marine hydrodynamic factors. Swell coming from offshore diffract on the side exposed to the islet of Sainte-Marie and mobilize sediments (sands, gravels and pebbles) are heading gradually on its face protected through the littoral drift. In detail, in the diffraction, swell losing part of their expedition, so their energy, they deposit their sediment load downwind of the islet (on the protected surface), promoting the formation of a sedimentary cord or a salient triangular linking then islet to the coast.
In the rain season (approximately from july to november), heavy rains associated with the increase in the flow of rivers and a stronger aerologic instability promote almost total immersion of the tombolo; it becomes almost invisible, only a few white plumes point location. In lent (approximately from January to April), the above stated factors are dampened, sedimentary cord emerges and is then visible from a distance. Some days, the sea level is so low that the tombolo becomes practicable on foot or by horse.

Although there are other tombolos in Martinique, that of Sainte-Marie is the best known and most characteristic, because of its historical burden.

Pascal SAFFACHE,
Academic


Note: SWIMMING UNSAFE, NON CONTROLLED;

Trail on the right side of the islet closed from April 1 to August 31 in order to protect the roseate tern, a species of rare bird that nests on this part of the islet at this time. (Prefectoral Decree of protection of biotope on the nesting area).


Contact « L'îlet Sainte Marie et son Tombolo »

  • Atoumo, Le Village Quartier Pain de Sucre - Lieu dit Robin 97230 Sainte-Marie

  • Gîte de France n°122 - 1 épi Fond Clémence, Quartier Saint-Jacques 97230 Sainte-Marie

  • Meublé VENTURA 329 Domaine de Sainte Marie - Quartier Anse Azérot 97230 Sainte-Marie

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