Event Flyer

Complex patterns are common throughout nature, from the distribution of galaxies in the Universe to the organization of neurons in the human brain. It is generally assumed that such complex structure must have a complex cause, but it may be that the patterns spontaneously arise through the repeated application of simple rules. This talk will provide examples of self-organization in nature and will describe six simple computer models that can replicate the features of these patterns. The models typically produce fractal spatial structure and chaotic temporal dynamics characterized by power laws and unpredictability, even when the models are simple and purely deterministic. The work has application to fields as diverse as physics, ecology, political science, economics, sociology, and art.

Clint Sprott earned his bachelor's degree from MIT in 1964 and his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1969. His professional interests are in experimental plasma physics and chaos theory. In 1984, the University of Wisconsin–Madison began a program called The Wonders of Physics, which Sprott presented in a typical travelling showman style to audiences of all ages. The show has been presented on the Madison campus over 200 times to a total audience of over 60,000 over a period of 25 years. His shows are available freely as streaming video from his website.