Is this as stupid as it sounds ?

[tombogan03884]

I know there are differences in level between, for example, the Atlantic and Pacific .
But "water seeks its own level"  is pretty much one of the most basic rules of science.
The idea that there is a "lump" between Cape Hatteras and Cape Ann makes me think some ones been smoking the mushrooms.
I know a few of you, like TW , and Crusader Rabbit, are involved with the ocean .
I would like their opinions whether this article is as stupid as it seems.

http://news.yahoo.com/sea-rise-faster-east-coast-rest-globe-172002416.html

Sea rise faster on East Coast than rest of globe

WASHINGTON (AP) — From Cape Hatteras, N.C., to just north of Boston, sea levels are rising much faster than they are around the globe, putting one of the world's most costly coasts in danger of flooding, government researchers report.

U.S. Geological Survey scientists call the 600-mile swath a "hot spot" for climbing sea levels caused by global warming. Along the region, the Atlantic Ocean is rising at an annual rate three times to four times faster than the global average since 1990, according to the study published Sunday in the journal Nature Climate Change.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>MORE AT LINK<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

[Solus]

It could be that certain areas are more susceptible to the forces (or their effects) causing tides than others and the  high tide level there is rising faster than the high tide levels at other places?

[Pecos Bill]

Could that be all the flotsam and jetsam coming down the Potomac?

Pecos

[usmcdadx2]

If I read the article right it's a combined effect of increased volume and flow over existing topography creating sort of a giant "standing wave". I can see the same effect on a smaller scale at one of my favorite trout streams, there is a noticable "hump" in the water surface just upstream of a large rock formation...if I drop a lure into that hump I always end up with a nice brookie.

[Timothy]

With the exception of the southern oceans, there is very little "mixing" of the great oceans, ie. Atlantic and Pacific.  Ocean currents are generally on the surface going northerly and dive deeper when the waters cool in the North Atlantic and Pacific carrying oxygen to the deeper depths of the oceans.  Without this transference, the oceans will die.  Those currents only converge near the Antarctic.

Near Cape Horn and Capetown, a bit of ocean currents peel off from the two oceans but the only place that revolves continuously is the Antarctic.  The differing levels of the oceans is something that is natural and not so self leveling as one would expect.  Remember, the Rockies are still growing whereas the eastern mountain ranges are well past their growth stages.  Of the two oceans, the Pacific is a cauldron of seismic activity.

The aforementioned is offered without any real evidence to prove any of it and my pea brained explanation of the ocean physics as supplied by my Uncle Sam some years back...

[Sponsor]

[crusader rabbit]

You can certainly get "tidal" anomalies due to the relative steepness of the shoreline.  And, you get "spring tides" that far exceed the "normal" tidal ranges.  And a recent study has shown that by 2050, California average tides will be five feet higher than they are now (due to the effects of global warming, so this is certainly up for dispute).

But, in the question as stated you have an awful lot of constants that need to be overcome to get the answer presented.  

The force of gravity alters very little at any point on the surface of our globe.  

The tidal force of the moon may have a slightly increased influence along the equator because there is greater exposure than at the poles.  

But, to suggest that there is a "swollen" area between the two capes seems to be a stretch of reason and logic.

There can certainly be temporary anomalies caused by underwater volcanoes and earthquakes.  These are measurable and may show an increase in the apparent height of the water.  But it would be transient and normal levels would soon reassert themselves.

Tom, I have one question that might show us the answer:  Did this revelation come from Al Gore or from one of his pet projects?

If that answer is "yes" it would allow us to throw this theory into the dustbin of pseudo-science like the vast majority of pronouncements by that a-hole.

A considered response by,
Crusader Rabbit

[MikeBjerum]

It's Bush's fault!

[tombogan03884]

You can certainly get "tidal" anomalies due to the relative steepness of the shoreline.  And, you get "spring tides" that far exceed the "normal" tidal ranges.  And a recent study has shown that by 2050, California average tides will be five feet higher than they are now (due to the effects of global warming, so this is certainly up for dispute).

But, in the question as stated you have an awful lot of constants that need to be overcome to get the answer presented. 

The force of gravity alters very little at any point on the surface of our globe. 

The tidal force of the moon may have a slightly increased influence along the equator because there is greater exposure than at the poles. 

But, to suggest that there is a "swollen" area between the two capes seems to be a stretch of reason and logic.

There can certainly be temporary anomalies caused by underwater volcanoes and earthquakes.  These are measurable and may show an increase in the apparent height of the water.  But it would be transient and normal levels would soon reassert themselves.

Tom, I have one question that might show us the answer:  Did this revelation come from Al Gore or from one of his pet projects?

If that answer is "yes" it would allow us to throw this theory into the dustbin of pseudo-science like the vast majority of pronouncements by that a-hole.

A considered response by,
Crusader Rabbit

   I only know what was in the article.

[JC5123]

There is a place on the Colorado River called West Water Canyon. There is a section containing Skull Rapid and the Room of Doom. I have seen water levels as much as 3 feet higher or lower than the main channel in the Room of Doom. My point is that water does some really interesting stuff when strong currents are involved. So tidal flows being different in different areas wouldn't surprise me, depending on what kind of topography and currents are involved.

[tombogan03884]

There is a place on the Colorado River called West Water Canyon. There is a section containing Skull Rapid and the Room of Doom. I have seen water levels as much as 3 feet higher or lower than the main channel in the Room of Doom. My point is that water does some really interesting stuff when strong currents are involved. So tidal flows being different in different areas wouldn't surprise me, depending on what kind of topography and currents are involved.

Granted, I guess we have all seen the effect of a "pile up" behind an obstruction, but the linked story doesn't mention any other factors.
It makes it sound like the melting ice cap is just all going to a section of the East coast.
Kind of like a Twinkie in Michelle Obama's butt.