Shocks Generate Crossover Behaviour In Lattice Avalanches

TL;DR

This paper introduces a spatial avalanche model where shocks induce crossover behavior in avalanche size distribution, revealing how destabilizing events influence systems near criticality, inspired by landslide data.

Contribution

The model demonstrates how shocks cause crossover phenomena in avalanche distributions, providing insights into systems with stabilizing failures and critical points.

Findings

Shocks induce a power-law crossover in avalanche size distribution.

Avalanche behavior is influenced by global destabilization events.

The model applies broadly to systems with destabilizing shocks.

Abstract

A spatial avalanche model is introduced, in which avalanches increase stability in the regions where they occur. Instability is driven globally by a driving process that contains shocks. The system is typically subcritical, but the shocks occasionally lift it into a near or super critical state from which it rapidly retreats due to large avalanches. These shocks leave behind a signature -- a distinct power--law crossover in the avalanche size distribution. The model is inspired by landslide field data, but the principles may be applied to any system that experiences stabilizing failures, possesses a critical point, and is subject to an ongoing process of destabilization which includes occasional dramatic destabilizing events.