APPLYING CHAOS TO THE WEATHER

The mind-bending theory helps us get more of a handle on our planet’s complex atmosphere

1 Our complex systems

Earth’s weather systems are incredibly complex, with many different particles interacting in a variety of ways.

2 Jet streams

These fast-moving channels of air affect the weather in different parts of the world depending on their speed, latitude and movement.

3 Chaos solves weather

Chaos theory attempts to explain underlying patterns in this seemingly random maelstrom of data.

4 Eyes on Earth

Many satellites in orbit have been launched to view our weather from above and on a grander scale.

5 Temperature, pressure and wind speed

Even small variations in temperature, pressure or wind speed can build up into big differences elsewhere on the planet.