Mathematical search images for the insights into the stability and resilience of coral reefs

Ingrid van de Leemput has a broad interest into bridging gaps between models of dynamical systems and real-world complex systems, ranging from ecosystems to psychological disorders. One line of research involves the mathematical modeling of emergent dynamics in coral reefs. Emergent dynamics currently studied include the observed sudden shifts from coral-dominance to macroalgae-dominance, and the regular spacing between coral patches on certain locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Modeling such complex dynamics can help us to uncover important feedbacks and growth dynamics of coral reefs, but may also provide us with insights into the stability and resilience of reefs to environmental change. For this, we work in close collaboration with Terry Hughes of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Coral Reefs Studies.