01.Feb.2011 [parameters] Dendrites

Dendrites (déndron, “tree”) are branched vector projections in three dimensional space from localized centers or nodes.  Occurring naturally in both living and non living elements throughout our environment, dendritic formations warrant the functionality of processes within our known universe.  In rock formations, mineral deposits advance and retreat “seasonally” onto the surface and generate branching patterns that rely on environmental as well as material factors.  Extensively, dendrite growth is the compounding of numerous generations of material that react to the variations in its parameters.  When the complexity of any formation increases, it is the general tendency of dendrites to function as a network.  The various interdependent pieces are linked into a larger autonomous whole allowing the transfer of precious minerals or information to procure more efficiently.

In nature there are numerous examples of dendritic systems.  The growth and branching of a tree, the splitting within a rock, and the freezing of precipitation into snow flakes are all examples on dendritic systems.  Variables with in these systems that effect how they “grow” are numerous.  The branching and growing of trees occurs in two different directions, above and below the surface, of which each have it’s own set of determinate variables.  Sun light, precipitation, air quality, surrounding environment, and soil type all play a large roll in how a tree grows both above and below the surface.  Dendritic growths in rocks occur based on the original formation of the rock, such as how long and what minerals created the formation of the rock and the pressure it endured during the process of formation.  Once these variables are taken into consideration one can then study the growth of dentritic forms in rocks by studying the amount of surface exposure the rock has, to sun light, precipitation, and environmental factors such as exposure to human use. Dendrites are all around us in every day life, understanding these networks and systems is important.

Dendrite formal sketches