Kelvin Waves from El Niño Expected to Impact California's Coast

A Kelvin wave, a large pulse of wave energy linked to El Niño conditions, is anticipated to travel up the West Coast of the United States, leading to a rise in sea levels and heightened risks of coastal erosion for towns along the shoreline.

This month, sea levels are expected to increase by up to 1 foot, which could create hazardous conditions for both humans and marine wildlife. Kelvin waves are slow-moving planetary waves that can span thousands of miles, pushing warm water along the equator toward the Americas.

While the immediate effects may be subtle, the combination of rising sea levels with normal tides and potential storms could significantly alter beach erosion and flooding patterns. Coastal towns in California, such as Malibu and Laguna Beach, have already experienced notable erosion this year, prompting Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in preparation for El Niño's impacts.