King Corn Comes to SoCal Thursday: How to Play It Safe

Coastal Southern Californians can expect the return of perigee spring tides — commonly known as king tides — on Thursday. These exceptionally high tides occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align, increasing the gravitational pull on the ocean waves.

The natural phenomenon is predicted to occur on Thursday and Friday and again on January 2 and 3.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning to California beachgoers Wednesday Stay out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions as rip currents can sweep swimmers and surfers out to sea. They also advised staying off the rocks: “Rocket jetties can be deadly in such conditions.”

Although high tides can present dangers to beachgoers, King’s tides provide insight into what regular high tides will look like in the coming years as sea levels rise.

By 2050, the California coast is at mean sea level It is expected to rise Up to 1.2 feet and up to 2100, as much as 6.6 feet. Climate change plays a major role in this shift as high concentrations of carbon dioxide (caused by burning fossil fuels) cause warming, melting land-based glaciers and ice sheets in the oceans.

Understanding sea-level rise and identifying flood-prone areas will inform decisions about the best infrastructure for safe coastal communities.

Here’s more information about King Planes and how you can safely watch collision waves—and even participate in some fun data gathering.

What causes king tides?

The tides occur when the ocean is “pulled” back and forth by the gravitational tug of the Moon and Sun. These tides usually occur during new or full moons, when the seas rise slightly higher than usual. They are called “perigene” spring tides when they are at “perigee” with the Moon, or closest to Earth.

Kingfishers are natural and predictable and not related to climate change.

What does the essence of the king look like?

In simple terms, high tides are higher and low tides are lower than average.

But because these high tides can be 1 to 2 feet higher than average high tides, they offer a glimpse into the future of sea level rise in the next few decades.

What are the risks associated with king’s whiplash?

High tides can sweep people ashore and sink small boats close to shore. High tides can also cause flooding and shoreline erosion, and in some cases cause cliff and bluff collapse.

The NWS coastal hazard statement warning visitors to stay out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions is in effect through Saturday.

The alert includes beaches in Santa Barbara County, Malibu Beach and beaches in Los Angeles County. These areas are expected to see high tides of 7.2 to 7.8 feet.

Surf heights of 5 to 6 feet were predicted for coastal areas of San Diego County and Orange County, and a 14-foot breaking wave warning was issued for the San Francisco Bay Area.

For more information on waves and currents, visit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration web page

How can I safely watch king corn?

Despite the dangers associated with the kingdom, people can watch this phenomenon safely – if they take some precautions – Different places All along the coast as part of the California King Tides Project.

This initiative is led by the California Coastal Commission to help predict future sea level rise and flood risk in coastal areas. Participants can take photos around the high tides and upload them to a A wave mapwhich can later be used by government agencies for research and planning. Scientists can use these images to better predict future sea levels.

Participants should take extra precautions when walking in steep areas and stay away from waves. Consider local beach conditions.

Some oft-repeated and wise advice: Never turn your back on the ocean.