Cane River, Bull Bay: A Change of Route. Reactivated Flood Hazard
Cane River, Bull Bay, as we know it today, has experienced change to it course & cross-section due to the influence of an active tectonic environment. This is significant as we know it, because among other things, the following can be observed:
- Repeated Rockfall and other landslide forms at the same locations as in the past.
- Current recreation spot of the Cane River Falls.
- A U-Turn section of the river course due to blocking off of the previous Cane River course.
- Settlement on the River bed supposed to be an extinct section of a river, only to be reactivated in Geologic recent time; and hence currently pose as a flooding hazard to the same settlement.
Geology Observed: 9 Miles Bull Bay -Cane River
From 9 Miles, Bull Bay -Cane River, the dominant lithology observed are as follows:
- Karst Carbonate
- Alluvium
Seismic Faults that predominate are
- Wagwater System (Compression).
- Plantain Garden (Strike & Slip.
- Minor Normal Faults (extension).
The Need for Engineered River Bank Protection is Real
The falling of a section of a building in the River bed cut-off from the current Cane River route, is a highlight of the current need of engineered river bank protection. From the image below, the outer bank is the site of active erosion. At the time of our visit, the River bed was dry, however, a resident did state that when in flood, residents cannot cross, and the bridge strength is questionable.
The dry river nature at the time of my visit (July 11, 2026), gives insight into the predominate subsurface geology (porous carbonate). I also observed settlement within 20 metres of the erosion-dominant river bank.
It is anticipated that the settlement of mention can be within direct contact with the river bank, within the next 20 years.
