The Liesegang phenomenon is the spontaneous formation of stratified bands of precipitate separated by clear areas as two co-precipitate ions interdiffuse in a 1D gel medium. In a 2D framework wherein diffusion takes place radially, concentric rings are distinctly observed. There exist many applications of Liesegang patterns in nature, spanning the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Material Science, and Engineering. In this special issue, we focus on the similarities between the Liesegang phenomenon and the widespread banding scenery in common rocks, and geophysical systems as a whole. Liesegang himself emphasized this striking analogy in his famous books: ‘Geologische Diffusionen’ and ‘Die Achate’. Many studies have emphasized the possible functionality of various mechanisms in congruence with the Liesegang dynamics. Yet, the coupling of transport properties to chemical reactions and diffusion-controlled differentiated crystallization, notably in aquifers, remains the most viable and closest picture to the Liesegang gel experiment.
Everyone has commonly observed the fascinating alternation of bands in rocks. At first sight, one automatically assumes a mere accumulation of material of different nature and composition leading to a stratified landscape, which can extend over long distances. Although some geophysical scenery is the result of sediment layering, other complex scenarios may be operational, involving complex dynamical mechanisms described and modeled by nonlinear differential equations. The latter involves the coupling of transport properties to chemical reactions and hence require a full-fledged physical characterization and solution. The geological scene is not restricted to band alternation, but groups a host of pattern-forming paradigms such as agates and geodes. Furthermore, the patterning tapestry can be manifested on widely different length scales. Our aim is therefore to continue unraveling the mystery of geochemical and geophysical self-organization.
In this special issue, we invite scholars and researchers, both experimentalists and theoreticians, to shed light on this rich and intriguing analogy between a huge terrestrial landscape and a beautiful and simple, though mechanistically complex laboratory experiment. We welcome original research, review, and perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
Geological Materials
• Sandstones
• Spiral garnets
• Stylolites
• Orbicular granites
Systems and Processes in Geophysics
• Advection and convection
• Micro-, meso- and macro-scales
• Aquifers
• Magma
• Metamorphic layering
• Oscillatory zoning
• Pressure solution
Landscapes
• Agates
• Chert nodules
• Concretions
• Geodes
• Liesegang rocks
• Zebra stone
Mathematical Modeling
• Dynamic instabilities
• Fractals
• Fronts
Keywords:
geochemistry, geophysics, Liesegang, banding, pattern formation, nonlinear dynamics, fractals, reaction-diffusion, reaction-transport
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
The Liesegang phenomenon is the spontaneous formation of stratified bands of precipitate separated by clear areas as two co-precipitate ions interdiffuse in a 1D gel medium. In a 2D framework wherein diffusion takes place radially, concentric rings are distinctly observed. There exist many applications of Liesegang patterns in nature, spanning the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Material Science, and Engineering. In this special issue, we focus on the similarities between the Liesegang phenomenon and the widespread banding scenery in common rocks, and geophysical systems as a whole. Liesegang himself emphasized this striking analogy in his famous books: ‘Geologische Diffusionen’ and ‘Die Achate’. Many studies have emphasized the possible functionality of various mechanisms in congruence with the Liesegang dynamics. Yet, the coupling of transport properties to chemical reactions and diffusion-controlled differentiated crystallization, notably in aquifers, remains the most viable and closest picture to the Liesegang gel experiment.
Everyone has commonly observed the fascinating alternation of bands in rocks. At first sight, one automatically assumes a mere accumulation of material of different nature and composition leading to a stratified landscape, which can extend over long distances. Although some geophysical scenery is the result of sediment layering, other complex scenarios may be operational, involving complex dynamical mechanisms described and modeled by nonlinear differential equations. The latter involves the coupling of transport properties to chemical reactions and hence require a full-fledged physical characterization and solution. The geological scene is not restricted to band alternation, but groups a host of pattern-forming paradigms such as agates and geodes. Furthermore, the patterning tapestry can be manifested on widely different length scales. Our aim is therefore to continue unraveling the mystery of geochemical and geophysical self-organization.
In this special issue, we invite scholars and researchers, both experimentalists and theoreticians, to shed light on this rich and intriguing analogy between a huge terrestrial landscape and a beautiful and simple, though mechanistically complex laboratory experiment. We welcome original research, review, and perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
Geological Materials
• Sandstones
• Spiral garnets
• Stylolites
• Orbicular granites
Systems and Processes in Geophysics
• Advection and convection
• Micro-, meso- and macro-scales
• Aquifers
• Magma
• Metamorphic layering
• Oscillatory zoning
• Pressure solution
Landscapes
• Agates
• Chert nodules
• Concretions
• Geodes
• Liesegang rocks
• Zebra stone
Mathematical Modeling
• Dynamic instabilities
• Fractals
• Fronts
Keywords:
geochemistry, geophysics, Liesegang, banding, pattern formation, nonlinear dynamics, fractals, reaction-diffusion, reaction-transport
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.