Scientists Alarmed by “Kelvin Wave” That Could Raise California Ocean Level by a Whole Foot
"It's a wave unlike the ones you're used to at the beach." The post Scientists Alarmed by “Kelvin Wave” That Could Raise California Ocean Level by a Whole Foot appeared first on Futurism .
A powerful wave is making its way towards the California coast, alarming scientists who fear it could raise ocean levels by up to a foot. This wave, known as a "Kelvin wave," is caused by a strong El Niño oscillation and originates from the western Pacific. It moves slowly, traveling thousands of miles before reaching the Americas.
When it arrives off California, it could cause elevated sea levels to last for months, increasing the risk of coastal erosion and severe storms. Oceanographer Mike Jacox describes the phenomenon as unlike anything beachgoers are accustomed to, noting that waves don't crash into the shore like typical beach waves. The wave has already been observed off the equatorial coasts of countries like Colombia and Panama.
In Ecuador, sea levels were found to be 15 inches above average, with high tides reaching nearly 17 inches higher than usual. The wave is driven by unusually warm water temperatures, up to 13.5 degrees Fahrenheit higher than average during El Niño phases. As these conditions persist, the World Meteorological Organization predicts a weakening phase beginning in early Spring 2027.
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