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4 clusters · 24 sources · 8 days · First seen 25 days ago · Last updated 17 days ago

Pacific Kelvin waves and West Coast sea level rise

Overview

Pacific Kelvin waves, massive and sustained bulges of warm seawater linked to El Niño conditions, are driving sea level rises along the North American West Coast. These waves occur when trade winds weaken, allowing warm surface water to move eastward and suppress the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. In California, scientists have projected sea level rises of 15 to 30 centimeters as the wave moves north from Mexico. Oceanographer Dillon Amaya previously noted that ‘every two to four inches of sea level rise can essentially double the risk of flooding.’

A large Kelvin wave, which originated near the equator and split upon reaching the South American coast, is expected to reach the California coast around mid-October. This bulge could temporarily raise sea levels by 6 to 12 inches, though some scientists suggest levels could rise by as much as 14 inches this winter. Experts note that such events may become more frequent due to global warming. In areas like San Francisco and La Jolla, sea levels have already risen by approximately eight inches over the last century, making this winter a critical test for state infrastructure management.

The impact is extending northward; coastal communities around Greater Victoria and parts of British Columbia are being advised to prepare for higher-than-normal sea levels later this month. While significant impacts are not currently anticipated in Canada, the elevated water may exacerbate high tides and storm surges. PreparedBC has recommended that residents near the coast review emergency plans and identify evacuation routes as the phenomenon moves along the West Coast.

Entities

California · San Francisco · Dillon Amaya · National Marine Fisheries Service · Greater Victoria

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Kelvin waves are sub-surface pulses of warm water that can raise sea levels by 15 to 30 centimeters.
[● 2 SOURCES] The Kelvin wave phenomenon is driven by the weakening or reversal of trade winds during El Niño.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in late September to prepare for coastal flooding.
[○ 1 SOURCE] San Francisco could experience between 10 and 30 unusually high king tides from late November through January.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Kelvin wave arrival is a gradual increase in ocean height rather than a single moment.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Southern California is expected to face southerly swells from Hurricane Rachel starting Wednesday.

Timeline

17 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 6 sources
Greater Victoria residents advised to prepare for rising sea levels
Coastal communities near Greater Victoria are advised to prepare for higher-than-normal sea levels caused by a Kelvin wave linked to El Niño, which could increase coastal flooding risks.
19 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
Kelvin wave approaches California coast
A massive Kelvin wave of warm water is heading toward California, potentially raising sea levels by up to 14 inches and increasing the risk of coastal flooding and erosion this winter.
22 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 7 sources
U.S. West Coast faces flooding risk from Kelvin waves
Kelvin waves associated with El Niño are raising sea levels along the U.S. West Coast, increasing coastal flooding and erosion risks in California through early 2027.
25 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 8 sources
California coastline faces sea level rise from Kelvin wave
A Kelvin wave driven by El Niño could raise California's sea levels by up to one foot, increasing risks of flooding and coastal erosion for communities along the shoreline.

Sources

bangordailynews.com · crprensa.com · dogonews.com · goldstreamgazette.com · independent.co.uk · internewscast.com · lacronicadebadajoz.elperiodicoextremadura.com · latimes.com · levante-emv.com · meteogiornale.it · newsday.com · no2nuclearpower.org.uk · nypost.com · offthepress.com · politika.rs · pqbnews.com · saanichnews.com · science.slashdot.org · sciencealert.com · sfist.com · surfsession.com · victoriabuzz.com · wtop.com · xeu.mx

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history