A simulation model of mire patterning

The genesis of flark-and-string mire patterns oriented perpendicular to the slope can be simulated by a simple stochastic model which presumes 1) that hummocks impede the flow of water across a mire surface more than do hollows; and 2) that as the water table is lowered the probability of hummock formation increases and the probability of hollow formation decreases. A critical minimum surface slope of the mire is required to produce this type of patterning. Supply of water to the mire must be sufficient to prevent the mire surface from being dominated by hummock-level conditions. -from Authors