The "King Tides," the highest high tides of the year, will take place on December 23 and 24, and again on January 21 and 22.

On December 23, the high tide (up to 8.5 feet) will occur in Manhattan Beach at 8:13 a.m. and on December 24, the high tide will occur at 9:00 a.m.

King Tides are the highest high tides of the year—one to two feet higher than average high tides. They are caused when there is alignment of the gravitational pull between sun, moon, and Earth, according to the California Coastal Commission.

King Tides occur naturally and regularly. However, scientists are particularly interested in monitoring them because they give us a picture of what regular tides will look like as sea levels continue to rise.

The California Coastal Commission is collecting photos of the King Tides. Anyone who takes photos of the tides is encouraged to submit them here, and/or share them on social media using the hashtag #KingTides. To share a video clip, email [email protected] for instructions.

For the January 22 King Tides, the Roundhouse Aquarium and Heal the Bay will host a special King Tides community science event (starting at 8:30 a.m.)

California is expected to be greatly impacted by sea level rise, according to the California Coastal Commission. The main physical effects of sea level rise include increased flooding, inundation, wave impacts, coastal erosion, changes in sediment dynamics, and saltwater intrusion to groundwater supplies.