Kelvin wave sends warm water toward West Coast
Kelvin wave, an underwater surge of unusually warm water caused by weakening trade winds in the equatorial Pacific and often tied to El Niño, is moving toward the US West Coast beneath the surface. These planetary-scale waves can deepen the thermocline, raise upper ocean temperatures and may lift coastal sea levels, increasing risk of high-tide flooding and allowing storm waves to reach farther inland. California declared a state of emergency and mobilized resources as officials warn effects can begin off Baja California and propagate north to Oregon and Washington.
Kelvin wave may raise coastal sea levels and worsen flooding
Context
Trade winds along the equatorial Pacific have weakened, generating a Kelvin wave. The…
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