Key Takeaway
The ocean phenomenon could raise sea levels by up to a foot as El Niño keeps warm water trapped along the coastConcerns are mounting about an ocean phenomenon known as a kelvin wave that could raise sea levels along the California coastline by up to a foot, as scientists say El Niño is supercharging the threat of storm surges and…
Published September 28, 2026 · Category: News
Overview
The ocean phenomenon could raise sea levels by up to a foot as El Niño keeps warm water trapped along the coast
Concerns are mounting about an ocean phenomenon known as a kelvin wave that could raise sea levels along the California coastline by up to a foot, as scientists say El Niño is supercharging the threat of storm surges and flooding in the coming months.
Details
As an incredibly strong El Niño continues to develop in the Pacific, the phenomenon brings with it a strange shift in the ocean. The kelvin wave phenomenon is created when trade winds that usually blow from South America towards Asia die down or reverse in El Niño years, setting off a massive, slow-moving slosh of water.
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Source
Originally published at www.theguardian.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Concern mounts over slow-moving, planetary-scale ‘kelvin’ wave heading for California" about?+
The ocean phenomenon could raise sea levels by up to a foot as El Niño keeps warm water trapped along the coastConcerns are mounting about an ocean phenomenon known as a kelvin wave that could raise sea levels along the California coastline by up to a foot, as scientists say El Niño is supercharging the threat of storm surges and flooding in the coming months.As an incredibly strong El Niño continues to develop in the Pacific, the phenomenon brings with it a strange shift in the ocean. The kelvi
Who reported this story?+
This story was reported by The Guardian World.