Preface: Nonlinear waves and chaos (original) (raw)

Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics

Nonlinear waves and chaos play important roles in the acceleration and heating of charged particles and the generation of turbulence in astrophysical, space, and laboratory plasmas. A series of workshops on "Nonlinear Waves and Chaos" have been held to discuss this sub-This workshop was unique because it brought together 34 experts, including space, laboratory, and fusion plasma physicists, astrophysicists, applied mathematicians, atmospheric and oceanic scientists, and even a heart specialist, from various countries. Since nonlinear waves, chaos, dispersion, and dissipation occur in many fields of natural and biological sciences, it is therefore desirable to compare theoretical approaches and observational techniques from various disciplines. This workshop provided an opportunity to report on the latest results from theory, simulation, and data analysis dealing with the nonlinear processes and complex system dynamics in space, laboratory, and astrophysical plasmas as well as rogue ocean waves and cardiac arrhythmia.