This brief article discusses about a massive swell of water that was buffeting South America. Kelvin waves are warm bumps in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by a gentle yet massive swell of warm water. Usually not much happens when a Kelvin wave arrives -- beach combers experience a bit of extra rain, perhaps, and slightly warmer surf. Nevertheless, scientists pay careful attention to them because these gentle waves occasionally herald something far more powerful: the next El Niño.
| Date Of Record Release | 2010-05-10 13:22:42 |
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| Description | This brief article discusses about a massive swell of water that was buffeting South America. Kelvin waves are warm bumps in the Pacific Ocean, characterized by a gentle yet massive swell of warm water. Usually not much happens when a Kelvin wave arrives -- beach combers experience a bit of extra rain, perhaps, and slightly warmer surf. Nevertheless, scientists pay careful attention to them because these gentle waves occasionally herald something far more powerful: the next El Niño. |
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| Source | University of North Texas |
| Keyword | Climate variability and change, Meteorology, El Niño, Kelvin waves |
| Selector | Selection Committee |
| Date Of Record Creation | 2010-05-10 13:14:27 |
| Education Level | |
| Date Last Modified | 2010-05-10 13:22:42 |
| Creator | Science@NASA |
| Language | English |
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