TITLE:
“In Space” or “As Space”?: Spatial Autocorrelation Properties of the Earth’s Interior
AUTHORS:
Charles H. Smith
KEYWORDS:
Entropy Maximization, Earth’s Interior, Spatial Autocorrelation, Benedict de Spinoza, Spatial Extension, Space
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.5 No.4,
April
21,
2014
ABSTRACT: In this analysis, natural systems are posed to subsystemize in a manner
facilitating both structured information/energy sharing and an entropy
maximization process projecting a three-dimensional, spatial outcome. Numerical
simulations were first carried out to determine whether n × n input-output
matrices could, once entropy-maximized, project a three-dimensional Euclidean
metric. Only 4 × 4 matrices could; a small proportion passed the test. Larger
proportions passed when grouped random patterns on and within two- and three-dimensional
forms were tested. The pattern of structural zonation within the earth was then
tested in analogous fashion using spatial autocorrelation measures, and for three time
periods: current, 95 million years b.p. and 200 million years b.p. All expected
results were obtained; not only do the geometries of zonation project a
three-dimensional structure as anticipated, but also do secondary statistical
measures reveal levels of equilibrium among the zones in all three cases that are
nearly total, distinguishing them from simulations that do not incorporate a
varying-surface zone-width element.