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kelvin wave
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- 1Kelvin wave explained: underwater pulse that could hit California●What is a Kelvin wave? The underwater pulse that could impact California
Scientists and weather outlets are explaining Kelvin waves — vast pulses of warm water that travel eastward along the equator below the ocean surface. When they reach the Americas, they can raise sea surface temperatures off the West Coast and help strengthen El Niño conditions, potentially shaping California's weather with heavier rainfall and stormier patterns in the months ahead.
- 2Scientists Warn 'Kelvin Wave' Could Raise California Ocean Levels a Foot●Scientists Alarmed by "Kelvin Wave" That Could Raise California Ocean Level by a Whole Foot
Scientists are sounding the alarm over a Kelvin wave, a massive band of warm water moving along the equator toward the West Coast, which could raise ocean levels along California by as much as a foot. Such a rise would heighten coastal erosion and flooding risks, especially if it coincides with storms or high tides. Kelvin waves are often linked to developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific.