GoKawiilKelvin wave tied to strong El Niño could lift California sea levels a foot
Oceanographers tell the Guardian that a massive Kelvin wave of unusually warm Pacific water, already raising sea levels off Ecuador, Colombia and Panama by more than a foot, is moving toward California. Scientists say it could push coastal sea levels there up by as much as a foot and keep them elevated for months as part of a strong El Niño pattern.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Elevated baseline sea levels mean ordinary high tides and storms could push water further inland than usual, worsening coastal erosion and flood risk during winter storm season. Researchers frame this as a temporary but compounding hazard, since higher 'floor' levels combined with expected high tides around Thanksgiving and Christmas could amplify storm surge impacts along the California coast.
- A Kelvin wave of warm Pacific water is moving toward California amid a strong El Niño.
- Sea levels near Ecuador, Colombia and Panama are already up to 15-17 inches above average.
- Scientists warn California's coastal sea levels could rise by up to a foot for months, worsening storm surge risk.
Source: futurism.com — Joe Wilkins, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “Scientists Alarmed by “Kelvin Wave” That Could Raise California Ocean Level by a Whole Foot”
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