How spatial patterns can lead to less resilient ecosystems | PNAS Several theoretical models predict that spatial patterning increases ecosystem resilience. However, these predictions rely on simplifying assumptio...

This shows why spatial context fundamentally changes how patterns shape tipping points.

📖 Full paper: www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1...
🔓 arXiv version: arxiv.org/abs/2505.08671
📰 CASUS Press release: www.casus.science/news-vegetat...

#ComplexSystems #Ecology 🌿🌾 (3/3)

By adding realistic finite boundaries & environmental anisotropies to theoretical models, plant interactions become non-reciprocal. This triggers nonlinear convective instabilities, making patterned landscapes MORE vulnerable to desertification fronts than uniform vegetation. (2/3) ⚛️

The answer to my previous post? Convective instabilities! 🌪️

I'm thrilled to share our new paper in PNAS! Alongside @rmtzgarcia.bsky.social, we challenge the dominant paradigm that spatial self-organization inherently increases ecosystem resilience. (1/3) 🧪🌍

...we completely overlooked one feature hidden in this figure (check the state vs environmental stress $\eta$).

Can you guess what it is? 👀

During my postdoc, we finally figured it out! Stay tuned, I'll share the answer and our new paper later today. (2/2)

#Ecology #Physics #ComplexSystems

Topological defects law for migrating banded vegetation patterns in arid climates Distribution of defects in vegetation patterns could determine the ecosystem adaptation or collapse against environmental changes.

Hi #ScienceSky! 👋 I'm a theoretical physicist & postdoc @ CASUS-HZDR working on complex systems, nonlinear dynamics & spatial ecology.

A while ago, we found that topological defects in vegetation patterns leave an imprint on drylands (www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...). But... (1/2) 🧪🔬