The ‘Kelvin wave’ hitting California is a potent warning about sea-level rise
Sea level on the California coast is likely to be pushed to extremes this winter by compounding forces, but these extremes could be the norm by the end of the century
A powerful "Kelvin wave" is set to inundate California's coastline this winter, serving as a stark reminder of the looming threat of sea-level rise due to climate change. Stephanie Pappas reports that this slow-moving surge of water, currently raising sea levels by up to a foot above normal in southern California, is the largest of its kind.
Climate scientist Daniel Swain explains that this phenomenon is a preview of what Californians can expect in the future as a result of climate change. The wave, spawned by the intense El Niño currently affecting the region, is a testament to the extreme potential of future sea-level rise. Swain predicts that sea levels could rise by around 14 inches this winter, a figure that reflects the combined impact of Kelvin waves and the thermal expansion of warming oceans.
This temporary elevation, coupled with seasonal high tides and increased storm surges, could lead to severe coastal flooding and beach erosion. Moreover, the 8-inch rise in sea levels observed in San Francisco and La Jolla over the past century underscores the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation. Climate change is projected to drive an additional two feet of sea-level rise by the end of the century, a scenario that Swain likens to the winter's temporary surge.
The article emphasizes the importance of robust infrastructure to withstand these escalating challenges, as the current winter's events may only be a precursor to the average conditions expected in the future.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
