What Is a Kelvin Wave? Scientists Watch California Flood and Storm Surge Risks as El Niño Strengthens

What Is a Kelvin Wave? Scientists Watch California Flood and Storm Surge Risks as El Niño Strengthens

Scientists say a massive pulse of warm water racing beneath the Pacific could raise California's sea levels by up to 10 inches within weeks, increasing the risk of winter flooding and storm surges as El Niño strengthens. The so‑called Kelvin wave reached the northern tip of South America in late August before moving northwards. It is expected to arrive in Southern California by early October, temporarily lifting sea levels by about 5 to 10 inche…

Deep Ocean Waves Could Raise Westside Coastal Risks This Winter

LOS ANGELES — As California prepares for a potentially historic El Niño, scientists are tracking underwater Kelvin waves that can raise coastal water levels by about 6 inches.

Letter to the Editor: El Niño to Increase Baseline Sea Levels

How does El Niño affect Californians? The answer is Kelvin Waves, which are massive pulses of warm ocean water. Under normal conditions they move from east to west across the Pacific Ocean, pushing warm water toward Asia.