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Self-organized criticality in intertidal microphytobenthos patch patterns

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  • Seuront, Laurent
  • Spilmont, Nicolas

Abstract

A 2D distribution of microphytobenthic biomass is determined from a superficial sediment sampling on an exposed sandy shore. The distribution undergoes a very structured pattern, displaying a few dense patches over a wide range of low density patches. We perform a statistical analysis of this 2D patterns using statistical tools developed in the field of fractal theory. It is shown that the patch pattern belongs to fractal and multifractal structures, and exhibits specific power-law in the probability space, involving the appearance of a self-organized critical state. To our knowledge, this is the first experimental study of self-organized criticality in benthic ecology. Some theoretical consequences are outlined, and their practical applications to improve our understanding of intertidal ecosystems structures and functions are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Seuront, Laurent & Spilmont, Nicolas, 2002. "Self-organized criticality in intertidal microphytobenthos patch patterns," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 313(3), pages 513-539.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:phsmap:v:313:y:2002:i:3:p:513-539
    DOI: 10.1016/S0378-4371(02)00989-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schmitt, Francccois G. & Seuront, Laurent, 2001. "Multifractal random walk in copepod behavior," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 301(1), pages 375-396.
    2. Czirók, A. & Somfai, E. & Vicsek, T., 1994. "Self-affine roughening in a model experiment on erosion in geomorphology," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 205(1), pages 355-366.
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