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Catastrophe theory studies dynamical systems that describe the evolution [5] of a state variable over time : ˙ = = (,) In the above equation, is referred to as the potential function, and is often a vector or a scalar which parameterise the potential function.
In geology, catastrophism is the theory that the Earth has largely been shaped by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope. [1] This contrasts with uniformitarianism (sometimes called gradualism ), according to which slow incremental changes, such as erosion , brought about all the Earth's geological features.
A biotechnology catastrophe may be caused by accidentally releasing a genetically engineered organism from controlled environments, by the planned release of such an organism which then turns out to have unforeseen and catastrophic interactions with essential natural or agro-ecosystems, or by intentional usage of biological agents in biological ...
Mexican paradox: Mexican children tend to have higher birth weights than can be expected from their socio-economic status. Obesity paradox : In some medical conditions, obesity is associated with increased survival, although there is a strong association with shortened lifespan in the general population.
The doomsday argument (DA), or Carter catastrophe, is a probabilistic argument that claims to predict the future population of the human species based on an estimation of the number of humans born to date. The doomsday argument was originally proposed by the astrophysicist Brandon Carter in 1983, [1] leading to the initial name of the Carter ...
Balance of nature – superseded by catastrophe theory and chaos theory. Progression of atomic theory. Democritus, the originator of atomic theory, held that everything is composed of atoms that are indestructible. His claim that atoms are indestructible is not the reason it is superseded—as it was later scientists who identified the concept ...
Some astronomers have hypothesized Kessler syndrome as a possible or likely solution to the Fermi paradox, the lack of any sign of alien life in the universe. Any intelligent civilization which becomes spacefaring could eventually extinguish any safe orbits via Kessler syndrome, trapping itself within its home planet. [ 29 ]
An example of how organizations can perpetuate disaster myths takes place in the days following a disaster and up until official numbers are compiled. During this time, officials from emergency, relief, rescue, and welfare organizations can overestimate the loss of life and destruction of property.