A broad range of geophysical systems presents the emergence of characteristic regular spatial patterns and of long-lived coherent structures. The goal of this session is to provide a common forum for discussing the formation and dynamics of geophysical patterns from both observational and theoretical points of view, with a focus on the identification of the basic mechanisms at work and on the impact of these structures on system functioning.

Contributions describing observational and theoretical results from fields such as geomorphology, atmospheric and oceanic sciences, geology, geophysical fluid dynamics, ecohydrology and ecosystem dynamics are invited. Relevant theoretical contributions adressing general pattern formation and dynamics will also be of interest.

Invited speaker: Max Rietkerk, Utrecht University, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands