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El Niño causes ocean phenomenon waves to raise California sea levels
nypost.com • • nation
Key Points:
- California’s coast is preparing for a significant sea level surge of up to one foot due to a “coastal trapped wave” or “Kelvin wave,” exacerbating existing beach erosion and flood risks.
- This Kelvin wave, a large and sustained bulge of water extending 12 to 18 miles offshore, is linked to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon and poses serious threats to the coastline.
- The surge follows recent unusual ocean events and storms that have already impacted coastal communities, increasing the likelihood of severe flooding and erosion.
- Experts warn that even small sea level rises can dramatically increase flood risk, with current conditions potentially leading to the highest sea levels ever recorded in California.
- The Kelvin wave contributes to and results from El Niño by suppressing cold water upwelling, which raises surface ocean temperatures and intensifies the climate pattern’s effects.
