This special workshop will bring about 30 people to the University of Edinburgh to discuss abiotic self-organization and pattern formation in rocks, minerals, and other geological materials (including chemobrionic self-organization or “chemical gardens”). We will share evidence, theoretical developments, practical advice/protocols, and demonstrations on two questions:

(1) which geological phenomena (mineral formations, diagenetic phenomena, pseudofossils, etc.) can be elucidated by investigating them as instances of self-organization, i.e., spontaneous pattern-formation driven by the internal dynamics of nonequilibrium systems? (Established examples in geoscience include Liesegang rings, agate banding, manganese dendrites and basalt columns);

(2) how do specific experimental, numerical, and analytical methods help us to understand these phenomena?

 

Presentations will be of three kinds:

1. “Traditional” conference-style talks presenting recent results in the field of geological self-organization. These will be delivered in-person and streamed live from the lecture hall if the presenter consents. Talks will last 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes for questions.

2. Training demonstrations of key experimental methods. These can be delivered “live” using the lab and imaging facilities on-site or pre-recorded. Pre-recorded videos may be streamed for online participants if the presenter consents. We anticipate that method demonstrations will typically be 30 minutes followed by 10 minutes for questions.

3. Presentations of problematic geological materials (including samples that you may wish to bring with you), geological systems, and open geological questions that require elucidation and discussion by the self-organization community. We anticipate that these discussions will typically last 40 minutes.

 

There will also be sessions for open discussions.

 

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