Unraveling Precipitation Patterns: Mechanisms of Geochemical and Geophysical Self-Organization

Geophysical self-organization is a fascinating field that explores the spontaneous formation of patterns and structures in geological landscapes. One of the most intriguing phenomena in this area is the Liesegang phenomenon, which involves the formation of stratified bands of precipitate in a gel medium. This phenomenon has been observed in various natural settings, including rocks and geophysical systems, and has applications across multiple scientific disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Material Science, and Engineering. Despite significant progress in understanding the mechanisms behind Liesegang patterns, there remain gaps in our knowledge, particularly regarding the coupling of transport properties to chemical reactions and diffusion-controlled crystallization in natural settings. Current studies have highlighted the potential of these mechanisms to explain the banding observed in rocks, but a comprehensive physical characterization and solution are still needed to fully understand these complex processes.

This Research Topic aims to unravel the mystery of geochemical and geophysical self-organization by drawing parallels between the Liesegang phenomenon and the banding observed in geological landscapes. The main objectives are to investigate the underlying mechanisms that drive these patterns, test hypotheses related to transport properties and chemical reactions, and explore the broader implications of these findings for our understanding of geological processes. Specific questions to be addressed include: What are the key factors that influence the formation of Liesegang-like patterns in natural settings? How do transport properties and chemical reactions interact to produce these patterns? Can we develop predictive models to describe these processes?

To gather further insights into the dynamics of banding and pattern diversity in geological landscapes, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- 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

By addressing these themes, we aim to advance our understanding of the complex and beautiful patterns that characterize our geological landscape.

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.