Concern mounts over slow-moving, planetary-scale ‘kelvin’ wave heading for California
Summary
Scientists are warning that a large ocean wave called a kelvin wave is moving toward California and could raise sea levels by up to one foot. This is caused by a strong El Niño event, which also increases the chance of storms and flooding along the coast in the coming months.Key Facts
- A kelvin wave is a large, slow-moving movement of warm ocean water spanning thousands of miles along the equator.
- Kelvin waves form when trade winds weaken or reverse during El Niño years, causing warm water to shift eastward toward the Americas.
- One kelvin wave has already reached northern South America and is now heading toward California's coast.
- When it reaches California, the kelvin wave may raise sea levels by up to one foot for several months.
- This increase will add to sea level rise that has already reached about 8 inches over the past century.
- El Niño this year is expected to be the strongest in at least 1,000 years, bringing higher temperatures and more severe storms.
- High tides during holidays, combined with storm surges, may cause significant coastal flooding and erosion.
- California’s governor declared a state of emergency and is preparing resources for possible winter storms and flooding.
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