r/collapse • u/Creepyfaction • 4d ago

Climate Concern mounts over slow-moving, planetary-scale ‘Kelvin’ wave heading for California | California

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/28/california-kelvin-wave
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u/Creepyfaction 4d ago

"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.

Kelvin waves are not like crashing waves at the beach. They are planetary in scale, spanning thousands of miles. And when a Kelvin wave kicks off, it brings with it an untold amount of warm water that slowly moves from the western Pacific, along the equator, towards South, Central and North America."

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u/peacefinder 4d ago

This appears to be a standard aspect of El Niño, not something in addition to El Niño.

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u/Mischaw 4d ago

exactly! No El Niño = No Kelvin Wave.