Study shows wave sizes increasing along California coast, with 13-foot waves doubling in number.

Study shows wave sizes increasing along California coast, with 13-foot waves doubling in number.

Who doesn’t love the soothing sight of waves crashing against the shore? But did you know that those waves are getting bigger? According to a recent study by the University of California San Diego, the average height of waves has increased by as much as one foot since 1970. That’s a staggering 13% increase! And we have climate change to thank for it.

But it’s not just about the average height, it’s the megawaves that are causing real concern. These massive waves, measuring 13 feet or more, have doubled in number compared to the period between 1949 and 1969. It seems like every trip to the beach is becoming more adventurous, as these towering waves become more frequent.

“To understand this trend, we have to look at how climate change affects our oceans,” explains Peter Bromirski, a researcher from UC San Diego. “Warmer temperatures put more energy into the atmosphere, which results in stronger storms. And those storms bring about bigger waves and stronger winds.”

It’s a simple cause and effect relationship. As global warming accelerates, storm activity over the North Pacific increases. And with that increase comes the mesmerizing sight of massive waves crashing ashore.

California has experienced the full force of these storms in the past year. Atmospheric rivers, a meteorological term that few were familiar with before this onslaught of storms, are bands of moisture that behave like a fire hose when they make landfall. They unleash rain and snow for thousands of miles, bringing much-needed water to drought-ridden areas but also causing widespread flooding.

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The series of storms in 2023 helped alleviate the drought in California, but the price was extensive flooding throughout the state. Some areas received nearly 40 inches of rain, while downtown Los Angeles saw over 25 inches. San Diego County experienced more rain in the first three months of 2023 than it did in the entire previous year.

The key takeaway from all of this is that climate change has far-reaching consequences, affecting even the waves we see crashing on our shores. While the sight of bigger waves may thrill adventurers and surfers, it’s important to recognize the underlying cause and address the larger issue.

So next time you find yourself marveling at the power of the ocean, take a moment to reflect on the impact of climate change. Our actions today can shape the waves of tomorrow, hopefully in a way that allows future generations to enjoy the beauty of our oceans while ensuring their long-term sustainability.

References:

• University of California San Diego
• Fortune