This is Viewpoints Explained…
Along the west coast, scientists are tracking a series of nearly invisible waves that could make coastal flooding worse this winter. They can raise sea levels, warm coastal waters and disrupt marine life, yet most of us would never notice one passing.
They’re called Kelvin waves. Unlike the waves that break on a beach, most of their movement happens underwater. And to understand why they’re getting so much attention this year, you first have to know a little about El Niño.
This is a natural climate pattern where winds over the tropical pacific weaken, allowing unusually warm water to spread eastward. Those wind changes can also set off Kelvin waves – pulses that move warm water from the Western Pacific toward South America. They travel slow at about six miles an hour, crossing thousands of miles. once they reach the americas, some continue up north along the coast.
And this year’s El Niño is expected to be especially strong. Last month, The National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration reported one Kelvin wave already moving up the west coast and others still crossing the tropics.
So, why does this matter? These waves can temporarily raise sea levels by six to twelve inches. That alone isn’t especially dangerous but add high tides or a powerful storm and the extra water can lead to destructive flooding.
There’s also trouble below the surface. Kelvin waves push cold, nutrient-rich water deeper, reducing the food supply for tiny marine plants that support entire ocean food chains. That can have ripple effects for fish populations and local fisheries.
And with marine heatwaves already warming west coast waters, it’s adding more fuel to the fire. Fortunately, scientists can now track these waves in real time, offering coastal communities a better picture of changing conditions and more time to prepare for potential flooding.
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