QPot: An R Package for Stochastic Differential Equation Quasi-Potential Analysis

TL;DR

QPot is an R package designed for analyzing two-dimensional stochastic differential equations, focusing on computing quasi-potentials to understand system stability and dynamics through simulation, analysis, and visualization tools.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive R package for quasi-potential analysis of stochastic systems, including functions, examples, and visualization capabilities.

Findings

Enables computation of quasi-potentials for stability analysis

Provides tools for simulation and visualization of stochastic dynamics

Demonstrates applications through worked examples

Abstract

QPot is an R package for analyzing two-dimensional systems of stochastic differential equations. It provides users with a wide range of tools to simulate, analyze, and visualize the dynamics of these systems. One of QPot's key features is the computation of the quasi-potential, an important tool for studying stochastic systems. Quasi-potentials are particularly useful for comparing the relative stabilities of equilibria in systems with alternative stable states. This paper describes QPot's primary functions, and explains how quasi-potentials can yield insights about the dynamics of stochastic systems. Three worked examples guide users through the application of QPot's functions.