The Complex Systems Laboratory investigates, through modelling and field
measurements, Earth and planetary surficial features and processes. My
research is focussed on (i) addressing the general issue of the constraints
that dynamics places upon the behaviour of natural systems and the consequent
implications for modelling and measurements, and (ii) investigating the
behaviour of particular systems from polar, arid, nearshore and anthropogenic
environments, given these constraints. I teach classes on a range of topics
in complex systems and geomorphology. Details below...
To contact me, send an email to email@example.com
Complex Systems Laboratory
Climate, Atmospheric Sciences and Physical Oceanography Division
University of California - San Diego
La Jolla, California 92093-0234 USA
I look forward to hearing from you.
My research interests include...
Complex systems, self-organisation, geophysical pattern formation and patterns
Arctic landscapes, permafrost, glaciers, ice sheets and glacial geomorphology.
Nonlinear dynamics of human-landscape interactions, theory and philosophy
of modelling, models for the dynamics of science and human consciousness.
Courses I have taught...
MA Kessler and BT Werner (2003) Self-Organization of sorted patterned ground,
Science, 299, 380-383.
LJ Plug and BT Werner (2002) Nonlinear dynamics of ice-wedge networks and
resulting sensitivity to severe cooling events, Nature, 417, 929-933.
LJ Plug and BT Werner (2001) Fracture networks in frozen ground, Journal
of Geophysical Research, 106, B5, 8599-8613.
MA Kessler, AB Murray, BT Werner and B Hallet (2001) A model for sorted
circles as self-organized patterns, Journal of Geophysical Research, 106,
BT Werner (2003) Modeling landforms as self-organized, hierarchical dynamical
systems, in R Iverson and P Wilcock, eds., Prediction in Geomorphology,
Geophysical Monograph 135, AGU Press, 133-150.
LB Clarke and BT Werner (2003) Synoptic imaging of nearshore bathymetric
patterns, Journal of Geophysical Research, 108, C1, 5-1--5-14.
LB Clarke and BT Werner (2003) Tidally modulated occurrence of megaripples
in a saturated surf zone, Journal of Geophysical Research, in press.
G Coco, TK Burnet, BT Werner and S Elgar (2003) Test of self-organization
in beach cusp formation, Journal of Geophysical Research, 108, C3, 46-1--46-11.
G Coco, TK Burnet, BT Werner and S Elgar (2003) The role of tides in beach
cusp development, Journal of Geophysical Research, accepted.
B.T. Werner and G. Kocurek (1999) Bedform spacing from defect dynamics,
Geology, 27, 727-730.
B.T. Werner (1999) Complexity in natural landform patterns, Science, 284,
B.T. Werner and G. Kocurek (1997) Bedform dynamics: Does the tail wag the
dog?, Geology, 25, 771-774.
B.T. Werner (1995) Eolian dunes: computer simulations and attractor interpretation,
Geology, 23, 1107-1110.
W.L. Landry and B.T. Werner (1994) Computer simulations of self-organized
wind ripple patterns, Physica D, 77, 238-260.
B.T. Werner and T.M. Fink (1993) Beach cusps as self-organized patterns,
Science, 260, 968-971.
B.T. Werner and D.T. Gillespie (1993) Fundamentally discrete stochastic
model of wind ripple dynamics, Physical Review Letters, 71, 3230-3233.
B.T. Werner and B. Hallet (1993) Numerical simulation of self-organized
stone stripes, Nature, 361, 142-145.
Introduction to the Physics of Complex Systems
Field Geomorphology of Southern California
Field Geomorphology of Eastern California
Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Glacial Geomorphology
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Controversies in Geomorphology
Modeling Natural Systems
Wetlands (on tap for 2004-5!)
Undergraduate Students I have advised include
Thomas Fink, Fellow, St. John’s College, Univ. of Cambridge
Walter Landry, Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics, UCSD
Jon O’Brien, Senior Engineer, Xsilogy, San Diego
Ravi Ramamoorthi, Assistant Professor, Columbia University
Eric Wilcox, Postdoctoral Researcher in Climate Studies, Princeton University
Graduates Students I have advised
Lawrence Plug, Ph.D. 3/00: Ice-wedge networks and 'whale-hole' ponds in
Mark Kessler, Ph.D. 5/02: Models for sorted patterned ground. Currently
at Univ. Colorado, Boulder
Linden Clarke, Ph.D. 7/02 Surf zone megaripples. Currently at Scripps Institution
Dylan McNamara, in progress: Emergent behavior of ice streams and coupled
Postgraduate Researchers I have advised
Brad Murray 4/96-7/98: Assistant Professor, Duke University.
Lawrence Plug, 4/00-3/02. Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University.
Giovanni Coco, 3/00-3/03. Research Oceanographer, National Institute of
Water & Atmospheric Research, New Zealand.
When not working, I like to ride my bike, hang out with my dog,
hike and backpack in interesting places and oppose the damage my country
and culture are inflicting on the Earth and its inhabitants.
Photos of landscapes I enjoy