EGS XXV General Assembly, Nice, France, April 2000

NP2.06 Scaling, multifractals and nonlinear variability in geophysics: Scaling and multifractal variability in geophysics: social needs and impacts

Event Information

The NP2.01-03 sessions focus on the latest research developments directed to better understanding of non-linear processes involved in geophysical systems (including the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, solid earth and solar system) and the resulting extreme variability of geophysical phenomena over wide ranges of scales in space and/or time. This variabilty is reflected in many socio-economic processes, which are deeply influenced by non-linear phenomena (e.g. heterogeneous population distributions, financial liabilities associated with pollutant migration, highly intermittent records of stock market valuations, the flow and evolution of information, and the development and evolution of transportation systems). In turn, socio-economic developments contribute widely to changes in the natural environment. The socio-economic aspects of multiscaling variability have often been restricted to the question of extremes (flooding, severe drought, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.) and to the assessment of rather immediate risks (discussed in session NP2.04). The long term (possibly adverse) impacts of multiscaling variability on the human population, the environment and infrastructure have not been considered nearly as much. It is timely to confront different points of view on the complex ways that socio-economic development affects and is affected by the multiscaling variability observed in natural systems. In this special session we solicit submissions that address one or more of the following topics: Methods for identification and assessment of the causal linkages between non-linearity in geophysics and the associated response of socio-economic processes. Issues of implementation of non-linear and non-homogeneous phenomena (including questions of their predictability) in management science, risk analysis, social and public policy decision making. Interactions between nonlinear and multi-scaling technological/geophysical hazards and the man-made environment. Methods for considering environmental variability in the development of human activities in support of sustainable economic development. The influence of multi-scaling phenomena occurring in economic, social and cultural processes on development of the natural and man-made environment. New techniques and tools for non-linear data analyses, serving a wide range of environmental and socio-economic needs. The overall aim of this session is to offer participants an opportunity to hear both from experts in the business, industrial and policy-making sectors of our socio-economic systems and from interdisciplinary scientists/engineers exploring interrelations between human activities and nonlinear variability in geophysics.

Preliminary List of Solicited Speakers

Co-Sponsorship