Open University @ Maths Week Scotland: Chaos Theory & The Butterfly Effect

Join Dr Marc Pradas, Senior Lecturer in Mathematics at the Open University, for an exploration of Chaos Theory and The Butterfly Effect.

Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? This question, which was famously posed by meteorologist Ed Lorenz in 1972, encapsulates the concept of sensitive dependence on initial conditions, and has been extensively used to exemplify the notion of chaos. In this session we will explore simple mathematical systems to illustrate chaos, what it means to have sensitive dependence on initial conditions, and its consequences on weather prediction and other applications.

Sign up using Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-university-maths-week-scotland-chaos-theory-the-butterfly-effect-tickets-118490890443. The event will take place using Zoom. A link will be provided by email by the event organiser.

Suggested age suitability: 13+.