Physics treats sudden changes in complex chemical or physical systems as phase transitions, but can similar principles reveal the origins and implications of sudden changes in other complex systems -- in ecology and society for example?
Phase Transitions (Princeton University Press) by SFI External Professor Ricard Solé examines dynamical behaviors in a broad range of complex systems. Using a compelling set of examples, from gene networks and ant colonies to human language and the degradation of diverse ecosystems, the book illustrates the power of simple models to unravel phase transitions.
More about the book from Princeton University Press