Kelvin Waves to Elevate West Coast Sea Levels, Raising Erosion and Flooding Concerns
Sea levels along the U.S. West Coast are projected to rise by up to a foot starting this month due to a series of Kelvin waves, which are pulses of warm water moving north along the coastline. These waves, expected to continue through February, will bring higher sea levels to California, Oregon, and Washington state. While Kelvin waves do not cause tsunamis, they elevate the baseline sea level, intensifying the impact of high tides, large storms, and storm surges. Michael Jacox, a research oceanographer with NOAA Fisheries' Ecosystem Science Division, explained that this elevation amplifies the effects of other coastal phenomena. The current 'super El Niño' event is expected to intensify these impacts, as Kelvin waves are common during El Niño events. Beyond raising sea levels, these waves also increase ocean temperatures and push nutrient-rich waters deeper, affecting marine life. Coastal communities, already grappling with erosion and larger waves, are preparing for potential exacerbation of these issues...
