King Tides Reveal Increased Beach Erosion

King tide observers say last week’s high tides showed increased beach erosion. King tides are the highest tides of the year that occur when the Earth, moon and the sun’s gravitational pull are aligned.

Alejandra Ceceña, a program coordinator at the Roundhouse Aquarium Teaching Center in Manhattan Beach, said staff members observed a change in the shape of the beach.

“The sandbar (ridges of sand built by the beach waves) wasn't as sloped as it usually is. It was actually a much steeper incline,” she said. “And that could actually affect the way the energy from incoming waves are dispersed and could cause even more erosion.”

The climate crisis contributing to rising sea levels will cause the waves to reach farther ashore and can lead to higher king tides, Ceceña said, affecting homes and habitats on the coastline.

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“For example, our marshes, they're very important in terms of being habitats to very key animals and vegetation as well. So losing those habitats and hurting our infrastructure are the main impacts that can come out of the sea level continuing to rise,” she said.

Higher king tides could result in coastal communities being flooded and trigger flash flood warnings.

The California Coastal Commission wants the public to document the tides for their California King Tides Project and the aquarium is one of the participating organizations.

High tides can be observed again next month on Feb. 9.