Recent research has brought to light that sea levels along the Californian coast are alarmingly higher than previous estimations suggested, primarily due to inconsistencies in measurement methodologies. Researchers Katharina Seeger and Philip Minderhoud from Wageningen University pinpointed that numerous studies have leaned heavily on mathematical models, specifically geoids, rather than relying on direct measurements of ocean height. These models fail to adequately account for the dynamic influences of tides, currents, and other critical factors that affect real-time sea levels.