Looking for a name for a natural phenomenon

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on identifying a term for cyclical natural phenomena characterized by a slow buildup followed by a sudden release, applicable to both physical and sociological contexts. Participants propose various names, ultimately favoring "Sporadic Causal Discharges" and "Naturally Occurring Sporadic Causal Discharges" as suitable descriptors. The discussion emphasizes that these phenomena can be categorized into random, deterministic, or chaotic types, and highlights the importance of distinguishing between sporadic events and those with a gradual buildup. The conversation concludes with a recognition of the complexity and variability inherent in these phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cyclical phenomena in nature
  • Familiarity with concepts of buildup and discharge in physical systems
  • Knowledge of sociological patterns, particularly in conflict dynamics
  • Basic grasp of chaos theory and its applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the concept of "Sporadic Causal Discharges" in various scientific contexts
  • Explore chaos theory and its relevance to natural phenomena
  • Investigate historical examples of sociological outbreaks and their cyclical nature
  • Study the dynamics of buildup and discharge in physical systems, such as pressure cookers and earthquakes
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for scientists, sociologists, and anyone interested in understanding the patterns of cyclical phenomena in both natural and social contexts.

  • #31
Stavros Kiri said:
So that phenomenon will have different types ... and at least 3 categories.

Yes, most likely.

Stavros Kiri said:
You can't put all in one, I think.

You can't. True.
 
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  • #32
Ivan Samsonov said:
Yes.
You can't.
I agree. Not all terms and generalizations have a "uniquely defined 'one-common-property' " ...
There may be more properies, that give rise to the types and categories of the phenomenon.
 
  • #33
Frenemy90210 said:
Is there any name for such a phenomena ?

Wait, are you asking for a scientific name or a name that we could make up right now that suits the parameters?
 
  • #34
Ivan Samsonov said:
Thank you.
Right.
Unfortunately I do not have enough background in maths to completely understand random, deterministic or chaotic.
Another example of the pattern in question is "pressure cooker whistle". The whistle (a kind of steam release switch) sporadically is raised by steam pressure to release the steam, which leads to reducing the pressure, which leads to closing of the switch which leads to slow buildup of the pressure and the cycle continues. This pattern can be seen in the universe frequently.
 
  • #35
Ivan Samsonov said:
Thank you.
Right.
Unfortunately I do not have enough background in maths to completely understand random, deterministic or chaotic.
Another example of the pattern in question is "pressure cooker whistle". The whistle (a kind of steam release switch) sporadically is raised by steam pressure to release the steam, which leads to reducing the pressure, which leads to closing of the switch which leads to slow buildup of the pressure and the
Ivan Samsonov said:
Wait, are you asking for a scientific name or a name that we could make up right now that suits the parameters?

Not a scientific name. Just a general name that describes that pattern.
 
  • #36
Frenemy90210 said:
Not a scientific name. Just a general name that describes that pattern.

From the dictionary (if possible)?
 
  • #37
Ivan Samsonov said:
Naturally occurring sporadic casual discharges - even better?

That's it then?
 
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  • #38
Ivan Samsonov said:
That's it then?

I guess that's it. (Except "Causal" instead of "Casual" ;) ).

Thanks.
 
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  • #39
Frenemy90210 said:
I guess that's it. (Except "Causal" instead of "Casual" ;) ).

Thanks.
It was spelled correctly the first time.
 
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  • #40
Stavros Kiri said:
It was spelled correctly the first time.

Yes, it was.
 
  • #41
A. 'Casual' is a different thing (other than being a typo). Causal means 'it has causes', it obeys Causality (or the principle of causality), or [obeys] the laws of nature, or ~ it is "naturally occurring", as successfully added by you guys. But since typically and rigorously 'causal' and 'naturally occurring' is not exactly the same thing, I like the full title (name, term) as modulated by the discussion:
Stavros Kiri said:
Or "Sporadic Causal Discharges" is a broader or better one?
Ivan Samsonov said:
Naturally Occurring Sporadic Causal Discharges - even better?
But are they truly random?
Stavros Kiri said:
I think they can be divided into categories: random, deterministic or chaotic ...
or more, perhaps + combinations etc.
For these 3 terms etc. see my next post.

B. But here is another idea, based on
Frenemy90210 said:
What I was looking for is a process in which "slow accumulation of something over a period of time then sudden release of it and the process repeats".
Not all sporadic events have a gradual buildup of the causal elements that lead to outbreak.
How about "Causaly and Naturally repeated Sporadic Build-ups & Discharges" ?
(or all phenomena that have those properties)
But it's probably too long of a name. It describes it better and more accurate though than the previous one, doesn't it? Unless we find a shorter or more concise one ... , or suffice with the previous conclusion ... etc.; or anyone else more input, ideas or suggestions? ...
 
  • #42
Criticality , breakdown and system state bifurcation ?
 
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  • #43
Nidum said:
Criticality , breakdown and system state bifurcation ?
Or 'system saturation and discharges' ... (?)
 
  • #44
Frenemy90210 said:
Edit : Also note that phenomena does not apply to just energy, but also socialogical issues such as sectarian wars between two groups/. ex. Immediately after a war/riot, it is all peace. Then tensions start slowly building up and after some period, there is war once again; and the cycle continues.
Not necessarily, so your example of a sociological phenomenon doesn't fit the category you're trying to find a name for. Note that phenomenon is the singular form; phenomena is the plural form.
For example, in Europe, starting in the 16th Century there were wars between the Catholics and the newly-formed Protestant offshoot. These wars erupted periodically for several centuries, but then died out.
 
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  • #45
Mark44 said:
For example, in Europe, starting in the 16th Century there were wars between the Catholics and the newly-formed Protestant offshoot. These wars erupted periodically for several centuries, but then died out.
IMO, the repetitive cycle doesn't have to go forever. Even a few sporadic ones (cycles) should/could be in the category, I think.
As I said there would be different types and categories of the phenomenon (by the way, typo in your first spelling of 'phenomenon' - can fix). E.g. infinite cycled, finite, damping etc.
(besides random, deterministic or chaotic already mentioned ...)

(Also, e.g. a kettle once off the hook, or fire lowered would eventually stop ...)
 
  • #46
Doesn't this phenomenon generally fall under the science of chaos?

A dripping tap is a common example of an aperiodic, chaotic event.
Predator/prey population ratios is another example.
The output of the last iteration is a factor in the subsequent iteration.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaos_theory

chaos-img6.gif
 

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  • #47
DaveC426913 said:
Doesn't this phenomenon generally fall under the science of chaos?
Not always (read the thread)
 
  • #49
russ_watters said:
Why isn't "cycle" good enough?
He needs an outburst etc. (or better a build up and an outburst ... etc., repeating sporadically, for any reason)
(e.g. see posts #41 & 43)
 
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