6533b835fe1ef96bd129ec93
RESEARCH PRODUCT
An operatorial description of desertification
Anna Maria CherubiniFabio BagarelloFrancesco Oliverisubject
Mathematical optimizationDesertification Fermionic operators Heisenberg-like dynamicsHeisenberg-like dynamicsComputer sciencemedia_common.quotation_subjectApplied MathematicsFermionic operatorHeisenberg-like dynamic01 natural sciences010305 fluids & plasmas010101 applied mathematicsDesertification0103 physical sciencesFull modelReversing0101 mathematicsSettore MAT/07 - Fisica MatematicaDesertificationFermionic operatorsmedia_commondescription
We propose a simple theoretical model for desertification processes based on three actors (soil, seeds, and plants) on a two-dimensional lattice. Each actor is described by a time dependent fermionic operator, and the dynamics is ruled by a self-adjoint Hamilton-like operator. We show that even taking into account only a few parameters, accounting for external actions on the ecosystem or the response to positive feedbacks, the model provides a plausible description of the desertification process, and can be adapted to different ecological landscapes. We first describe the simplified model in one cell. Then, we define the full model on a two-dimensional region, taking into account additional factors such as nonhomogeneities, the competition for resources between plants, and the spread of seeds due to the action of wind or animals. This allows us to explore the effects of positive feedback on slowing down, stopping, or reversing the desertification process.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-01-01 |