Kelvin Wave Threatens California Coastlines with Rising Sea Levels

A powerful Kelvin wave, a type of planetary wave, recently struck South America and is now moving toward California. The wave transports warm water that is normally trapped farther west, causing sea levels to rise along already vulnerable coastlines. While such waves are common and can exacerbate existing erosion and flooding problems, this particular event is expected to have more dramatic consequences than usual. The increased water temperature and volume may intensify shoreline erosion, threaten coastal infrastructure, and raise the risk of storm surges in the region.