Exploring network scaling through variations on optimal channel networks

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2013 Nov 26;110(48):19295-300. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1313866110. Epub 2013 Nov 11.

Abstract

Metabolic allometry, a common pattern in nature, is a close to 3/4-power scaling law between metabolic rate and body mass in organisms, across and within species. An analogous relationship between metabolic rate and water volume in river networks has also been observed. Optimal channel networks (OCNs), at local optima, accurately model many scaling properties of river systems, including metabolic allometry. OCNs are embedded in 2D space; this work extends the model to three dimensions. In this paper we compare characteristics of 3D OCNs with 2D OCNs and with organic metabolic networks, studying the scaling behaviors of area, length, volume, and energy. We find that the 3D OCN has predictable characteristics analogous to those of the 2D version, as well as scaling properties similar to metabolic networks in biological organisms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Body Size / physiology
  • Computer Simulation
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / physiology*
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Rivers*
  • Transportation / methods*