What to know about the Kelvin wave raising the sea level along the West Coast
Summary
Sea levels along the U.S. West Coast are expected to rise by up to one foot this month due to Kelvin waves, which are large movements of warm water moving north along the shore. These waves can cause more flooding and erosion, especially during the strong El Niño weather pattern happening now.Key Facts
- Kelvin waves are pulses of warm water that raise sea levels as they travel along the coast.
- They do not break like regular waves but cause the sea level to bulge, similar to water moving in a bathtub during an earthquake.
- The sea level rise could be as much as one foot in some areas of the West Coast.
- This event is linked to the ongoing strong El Niño weather cycle.
- Higher sea levels increase the risk of flooding and beach erosion.
- Climate change has already made some areas sensitive to these effects.
- Kelvin waves commonly occur during El Niño but the current one could make impacts stronger.
- Experts are monitoring how these waves will affect the coastline this month.
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