Natural Complexity

"In this delightfully engaging introduction to complexity, Charbonneau reveals how a bewildering array of complicated structures emerge naturally from exceedingly simple rules of behavior and engagement. More than that, however, he provides the necessary tools and encouragement for readers to continue to explore this extraordinary landscape on their own and uncover its hidden mysteries."--Thomas J. Bogdan, former president of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research"What a fascinating introduction into the world of nonlinear phenomena. Paul Charbonneau is taking us on a roller-coaster ride through sandpile avalanches, forest fires, and earthquakes."--Markus Aschwanden, author of Self-Organized Criticality in Astrophysics"The appeal of this book is twofold. It provides practical examples of computational modeling. It also motivates readers by detailing breathtaking systems in the real world. The combination is winning."--Aimee Norton, Stanford University"With Natural Complexity, Charbonneau boils the hard science of nature down to simple concepts and expressions that are both intuitive and informative. A must-read for any curious mind."--Scott McIntosh, director of the High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research"Charbonneau's writing style is enthusiastic and clear."--Sidney Redner, coauthor of A Kinetic View of Statistical Physics"Natural Complexity takes readers to new frontiers in the physics of complexity."--Simon DeDeo, Carnegie Mellon University and the Santa Fe Institute