Nature's patterns : a tapestry in three parts / Philip Ball.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ball, Philip, 1962-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Pattern formation (Physical sciences).

Pattern formation (Biology).

Chaotic behavior in systems.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (188 p., [4] p. of plates ) ill. (some col.)

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009-

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Philip Ball explores the elusive rules that govern flow in nature. Whether the movement of wind, water, sand, or flocks of birds, he explains the science of the extraordinary forms and patterns that emerge.

From the swirl of a wisp of smoke to eddies in rivers, and the huge persistent storm system that is the Great Spot on Jupiter, we see similar forms and patterns wherever there is flow - whether the movement of wind, water, sand, or flocks of birds. It is the complex dynamics of flow that structures our atmosphere, land, and oceans.Part of a trilogy of books exploring the science of patterns in nature by acclaimed science writer Philip Ball, this volume explores the elusive rules that govern flow - the science of chaotic behaviour.

Contents:

1. The Man Who Loved Fluids: Leonardo's Legacy; 2. Patterns Downstream: Ordered Flows; 3. On a Roll: How Convection Shapes the World; 4. Riddle of the Dunes: When Grains Get Together; 5. Follow Your Neighbour: Flocks, Swarms and Crowds; 6. Into the Maelstrom: The Trouble With Turbulence; Bibliography

Notes:

"Nature's patterns is a trilogy composed of Shapes, Flow, and Branches."

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

ISBN:

1-282-34667-9

9786612346675

0-19-152874-9

OCLC:

814418615