Rare Kelvin Wave Expected to Influence Water Levels On the Central Coast

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) - An unusual ocean water wave is moving across the Pacific and eventually it will impact our Central Coast on top of the El Nino issues already surfacing.

Elevated water levels from a Kelvin wave have been detected off the coast of Mexico. By mid-October the water could move up the Southern California coast and raise levels by several inches in some area.

Combine that with any storm system or high tide cycle and there could be damaging impacts to coastal bluffs, harbors and homes near the ocean's edge.

Climatologists say satellite images have already shown changes in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and water temperatures from the changes have been measured into the mid-80 degree range.

As the bulging under surface wave moves closer more accurate possible impacts will be calculated.

Experts say this is not a tsunami type wave.

It is also unclear what impacts the Channel Islands and Point Conception will have on the wave effects as it comes through.

Bren School of Environmental Science & Management Assistant Professor Samantha Stevenson says, "when all those things that are going to happen anyway are happening on top of a sea level that will be six to 12 inches higher than it was going to be originally there's going to be more energy in the ocean for that to happen. That's what we are worried about, there will be  amplification of  damaging events

Isla Vista Resident Morgan Hoppe was in and out of the coastal waves near her student housing and says, "it will be  cool that since we are living on the ocean we get to  experience it first hand, how our oceans are changing ." She has taken an environmental studies class and will be looking up more on the Kelvin wave.

It's early on in the El Nino impact phase and that means, several wave impacts could take place.


"You're in a situation where it goes where it goes. I expect that we will see a few more before this El Nino is done," said Stevenson.

She is closely watching the reports of the wave's location and water temperatures.

Various reports say it may last a few days or it could take several days for the ocean to return to normal.