Dust flux, Vostok ice core

Dust flux, Vostok ice core
Two dimensional phase space reconstruction of dust flux from the Vostok core over the period 186-4 ka using the time derivative method. Dust flux on the x-axis, rate of change is on the y-axis. From Gipp (2001).

Sunday, February 6, 2011

How Revolution Starts

Below is the subtitled appeal for Egyptians to go to Tahrir Square on January 25.




That such a large change can be initiated from such a small trigger suggests the system was perched on the edge of chaos.

Complex systems frequently exist in such a state. Any arbitrarily large change can avalanche through the system from an arbitrarily small trigger, although the probability of any event is inversely related to its size.

But the modern situation is different--because unlike an avalanche, all of the "grains of sand" are connected via social networks and have grown increasingly unhappy with their economic/political situations--all of which increases the likelihood of further such political avalanches throughout the world.

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