Pattern Formation: An Introduction to Methods (Cambridge Texts in Applied Mathematics)

From the stripes of a zebra and the spots on a leopard's back to the ripples on a sandy beach or desert dune, regular patterns arise everywhere in nature. The appearance and evolution of these phenomena have been a focus of recent research activity across several disciplines. This book provides an introduction to the range of mathematical theory and methods used to analyze and explain these often intricate and beautiful patterns. Bringing together several different approaches, from group theoretic methods to envelope equations and theory of patterns in large-aspect ratio-systems, the book also provides insight behind the selection of one pattern over another.