Ocean Intrusion in Newport Beach as El Niño Alters Coastal Hydrology
On days when the coast typically invites strolls, the shoreline is now intruding on residential zones. A storm system located east and south of Baja California is moving the ocean westward, causing the mean high tide mark to advance onshore.
This phenomenon is a natural rise in sea level along the west coast during an El Niño phase, where warm currents usually linger on the eastern side. Homes built on unstable land, like sand spits, are finding the Pacific reclaiming their grounds.
Despite technological advances, the sea remains untamed. The shift underscores how climate forces are reshaping landscapes—and reminding us that even sunny days can bring unexpected submersion.
Quelle: Boing Boing ↗