Interface evolution in bistable spatial population models: a global approach
In 2-type spatial stochastic population models exhibiting bistability, interfaces tend to form between regions consisting predominantly of one of the two types. To understand how the population evolves, we may study the dynamics of these interfaces in time. For several bistable systems, it is known from recent work that the limiting interface, under certain re-scalings, evolves by a geometric evolution called mean curvature flow. This interface evolution is known to develop singularities in finite time, which imposes a short-time constraint on the convergence results.

In this talk, I will first discuss some models exhibiting this phenomenon, including a variant of the Spatial Lambda Fleming Viot model, and results concerning their interfaces. I will then discuss an ongoing work which uses tools from analysis, in particular level-set methods and the theory of viscosity solutions, to prove that interfaces in a broad class of bistable population models converge globally in time to a generalized mean curvature flow.

This is joint work with Jessica Lin (McGill).
Date: 12 February 2024, 14:00 (Monday, 5th week, Hilary 2024)
Venue: Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road OX2 6GG
Speaker: Thomas Hughes (Bath)
Organising department: Department of Statistics
Part of: Probability seminar
Booking required?: Not required
Audience: Public
Editors: James Martin, Julien Berestycki