El Niño-driven Kelvin Wave to Elevate Sea Levels Along California Coast
El Niño-driven Kelvin Wave to Elevate Sea Levels Along California Coast
US · Published Oct 3, 2026
• A significant coastal phenomenon known as a 'Kelvin wave' is causing elevated sea levels along the west coast of the United States, particularly in California.
• This wave, associated with the ongoing El Niño event, is a sustained bulge of excess water up to 30 kilometres wide, travelling along the coastline at approximately 10 kilometres per hour.

Impact & Risks

The elevated sea levels caused by the Kelvin wave pose significant risks to coastal communities in Southern California. The combination of the wave with other natural phenomena, such as storm surges and high tides, has already led to beach erosion and property damage. In areas like Dana Point and Laguna Beach, several homes have been left uninhabitable, and one has completely collapsed. Additionally, Malibu has experienced severe coastal erosion, including the formation of a large sinkhole in a residential driveway. With sea temperatures already elevated due to El Niño, the risk of flooding and further damage remains high.

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