Thompson's Chaos

Thompson's Chaos refers to a phenomenon in nonlinear dynamics where small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes, making long-term prediction difficult. Essentially, it illustrates how complex systems, such as weather patterns or ecosystems, are sensitive to initial inputs. This concept is often summarized by the "butterfly effect," where a butterfly flapping its wings could hypothetically lead to a distant tornado weeks later. It highlights the unpredictability inherent in complex systems, emphasizing that precise forecasting is challenging due to their sensitive nature.