Colloquium: Henrique Barbosa
Location
Physics : 401
Date & Time
March 4, 2020, 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Description
TITLE: Complex networks, dynamical systems and atmospheric physics
ABSTRACT:
Complex networks and other techniques of dynamic systems have helped us understand the interactions between the atmosphere and the biosphere, which play a crucial role in the stability of the climate system. I will discuss how disturbances in precipitation and deforestation could bring the system into a new state of equilibrium, for example, with a conversion of the Amazon rainforest into a savana. We have found that this phase transition is very non-linear and presents strong hysteresis. The tipping of the Amazon rainforest would have consequences beyond its own limits, as the global climate depends on the Amazon's water and energy cycles. For instance, western USA, Central America and Southeast Asia are excepted to become drier if the Amazon is completely lost.