The butterfly effect is a phrase that encapsulates the more technical notion of sensitive dependence on initial conditions in chaos theory. Small variations of the initial condition of a dynamical system may produce large variations in the long term behavior of the system. This is sometimes presented as esoteric behavior, but can be exhibited by very simple systems: for example, a ball placed at the crest of a hill might roll into any of several valleys depending on slight differences in initial position.
The phrase refers to the idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that ultimately cause a tornado to appear (or, for that matter, prevent a tornado from appearing). The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale phenomena. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different.
Recurrence, the approximate return of a system towards its initial conditions, together with the sensitive dependence on initial conditions are the two main ingredients for chaotic motion. They have the practical consequence of making complex systems, such as the weather, difficult to predict past a certain time range (approximately a week in the case of weather).
The phrase refers to the idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that ultimately cause a tornado to appear (or, for that matter, prevent a tornado from appearing). The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale phenomena. Had the butterfly not flapped its wings, the trajectory of the system might have been vastly different.
Recurrence, the approximate return of a system towards its initial conditions, together with the sensitive dependence on initial conditions are the two main ingredients for chaotic motion. They have the practical consequence of making complex systems, such as the weather, difficult to predict past a certain time range (approximately a week in the case of weather).
I have long become obsessed with butterflies. Not so much the insect itself but the significance that they have and how they are part of a design by a Master Creator with such importance. Only a creator who is all wise could think in a manner that is so complex to know that the wings of a butterfly can affect so much. Much can be learned from this creature...it's ability to be so consistent in its purpose and function..and have such powerful effects for change...what about me Father what would you have this butterfly do? Our trouble is not so much wanting to affect and make change but the ability to stay focused and work on purpose for an extended period of time, that is the challenge. Bordem sets in and purpose is lost..Focus is the most valuable asset one can obtain. A skill that we must master yet comes so easily to the other creatures of the earth..even the ants...what am I doing..and why and when it is all over will it have mattered..hmmm to many thoughts.
1 comment:
Is that evidence of a wind current I see?
:)
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