It is shown that clusters of tree canopies within Kalahari landscape in southern Africa lack characteristic size, with the size distributions following power laws. Model results indicate that this apparent self-organized behaviour can be explained by positive feedbacks that operate in this water-limited ecosystem as a result of preferential environments formed within the vicinity of existing trees.
- Todd M. Scanlon
- Kelly K. Caylor
- Ignacio Rodriguez-Iturbe
