Nonlinear dynamic geomorphological systems: A review

Abstract

The complexity science presented a proposal for a paradigmatic rupture in the scientific environment. Among other advances, his greatest contribution is in the understanding of nonlinear dynamic systems, which predominate in nature, thus revolutionizing the concept and analysis of physical systems. Several complexity theories can be applied to relief analysis, from the perspective of non-linear systems, and this paradigm has the potential to revolutionize the studies of morphological systems, in addition to integrating several topics that were previously analyzed in isolation. In this work, the concepts of Dissipative Structures, Chaos Theory, Catastrophe Theory and Fractal Geometry are presented, seeking to correlate with the analysis of non-linear dynamic geomorphological systems, sustaining that these theories have theoreticalmethodological potential fully applicable in studies of geomorphology.

Keywords:
Dissipative Structures; Chaos theory; Catastrophe Theory; Fractal Geometry; Nonlinear Dynamic Geomorphological Systems.