What Is a Kelvin Wave? How Underwater Phenomena Impacts Sea Levels During El Niño
Scientists say the warm-water pulse could lift sea levels 5 to 10 inches and worsen winter flooding, storm surges and coastal erosion.
- A massive pulse of warm water called a Kelvin wave is expected to reach Southern California by early October, temporarily lifting sea levels by 5 to 10 inches as El Niño strengthens.
- Weakening trade winds trigger this phenomenon, releasing warm water that travels eastward across the Pacific Ocean before moving north along the coastline as a coastally trapped wave.
- Scientists warn this elevated baseline makes low-lying areas vulnerable to flooding, especially when coinciding with high tides, storm surges, and significant erosion already affecting the coastline.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to prepare for winter storms, while California Coastal Commission Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge urged residents to inspect vulnerable property.
- The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a 90% chance of a very strong El Niño event through winter, as researchers expect the wave's influence to persist into early next year.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Planetary-scale ‘Kelvin’ wave heading for California
A massive planetary-scale ocean wave is heading towards the United States, threatening the California coastline with elevated sea levels and dramatically increasing the threat of coastal flooding and storm surges over coming months.
What Is a Kelvin Wave? Scientists Watch California Flood and Storm Surge Risks as El Niño Strengthens
Scientists say a massive pulse of warm water racing beneath the Pacific could raise California's sea levels by up to 10 inches within weeks, increasing the risk of winter flooding and storm surges as El Niño strengthens. The so‑called Kelvin wave reached the northern tip of South America in late August before moving northwards. It is expected to arrive in Southern California by early October, temporarily lifting sea levels by about 5 to 10 inche…
A massive Kelvin wave is approaching the coast of California, which could raise sea levels by up to 30 centimeters.
Concern mounts over slow-moving, planetary-scale ‘Kelvin’ wave heading for California
The Guardian reports: Concerns are mounting about an ocean phenomenon known as a Kelvin wave that could raise sea levels along the California coastline by up to a foot, as scientists say El Niño is supercharging the threat of storm surges and flooding in the coming months. As an incredibly strong El Niño continues to develop in the Pacific, the phenomenon brings with it a strange shift in the ocean. The Kelvin wave phenomenon is created when tra…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left, 43% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
