Why does nature create patterns? A physicist explains the molecular-level processes behind crystals, stripes and basalt columns

By Maxim Lavrentovich, Assistant Professor of Theoretical Biophysics, University of Tennessee

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

Why does nature always create a pattern? – Saloni G., age 16, Alwar, Rajasthan, India

The reason patterns often appear in nature is simple: The same basic physical or chemical processes occur in many patterned…

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