Physics Seminar - "Phase Transitions, Critical Phenomena and Earth's climate system"

Phase Transitions, Critical Phenomena and Earth's climate system

Ivan A. Sudakov, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Physics
University of Dayton

The Earth's climate is the result of interactions between multiple physical systems. Current climate simulation techniques require much computational power based on scientifically sound but highly sophisticated computer models. Hence in many situations it is desirable to find simpler approaches to reduce the computational cost, in particular those based on nonlinear and statistical physics. I will explain a new approach that focuses on defining of free energy for the various patterns of tipping elements in the climate system (e.g., melt ponds, permafrost lakes, ecosystem patterns etc.). It is used to explain many of the recently observed geometric properties of these patterns, in particular the onset of pattern complexity and the distribution of pattern sizes. Moreover, applications of this approach help to identify phase transitions and other critical phenomena in the climate system, which may be of considerable theoretical interest.

Dr. Sudakov is being hosted by Dr. Allen Hunt and will be available to talk with interested faculty and students between noon and 3:00 PM before the seminar.  Please contact Dr. Hunt (allen.hunt@wright.edu) to make arrangements.