Numéro |
J. Phys. I France
Volume 4, Numéro 1, January 1994
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Page(s) | 1 - 5 | |
DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp1:1994117 |
J. Phys. I France 4 (1994) 1-5
Short Communication
Theory of self-organisation in sorted stone stripes
P.A. MulheranDepartment of Physics, University of Reading, Whiteknights, PO Box 220, Reading, RG6 2AF, U.K.
(Received 18 October 1993, accepted 15 November 1993)
Abstract
The dynamics of self-organisation in simulated sorted stripes are
considered. Basic random-walk theory is used to predict that thé
évolution follows power-law kinetics with thé émergence of an
asymptotic scaling state. The simulated patterns confirm these
predictions with good correspondence being found between measured
and calculated distributions of stripe sizes. Taking account of
thé dimensional différence between real and simulated stripes, a
favourable comparison between theory and patterns observed on
alpine slopes is also found. This novel application of scaling
theory therefore explains thé surprising order found in this
natural phenomenon.
© Les Editions de Physique 1994