Kourou (river)

Kourou
American black vultures on the shore of the Kourou River
Country French Guiana
Physical characteristics
Main source Amazon Rainforest
River mouth Atlantic Ocean
5°9′10″N 52°37′45″W / 5.15278°N 52.62917°W / 5.15278; -52.62917Coordinates: 5°9′10″N 52°37′45″W / 5.15278°N 52.62917°W / 5.15278; -52.62917
Length 112 km (70 mi)
Discharge
  • Average rate:
    3,000 m3/s (110,000 cu ft/s)
Basin features
Basin size 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi)

The Kourou is a 112 km long river in French Guiana. The town of Kourou is located at its estuary, which is generally used as a pleasure port.

Like the river Amazon, it has brown, muddy waters due to sediments picked up from the forest. A great many different fish species live in the river, and are used in the local diet.

Like many Guyanaise rivers, it is polluted by mercury, as a result of clandestine gold mining.


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