Dynamics and Self-organization in Aeolian Ripples

Aeolian ripples arise instantaneously from sandy beds subjected to winds sufficient to cause saltation to surface grains. It is now widely believed that the process of ripple formation is a self-organizing phenomenon involving non-linear dynamics in the variation of flux of secondary grains that are ejected through saltation. In addition, the metric entropy and interaction matrix of the system alter governs the dynamics and emergent behavior in the patterns. In this paper I will review the dynamics, self-organization and entropy pertaining to aeolian ripples. Finally, I will briefly discuss difficulties in studying dune fields.