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What is the difference between local and global Lyapunov exponents?

Local Lyapunov exponents are defined like global Lyapunov exponents but without taking the long-time limit t→∞t\to\infty, so they retain more spatial/local information about stretching.

Conditions

  • Comparison is with global Lyapunov exponents
  • The limit t→∞t\to\infty is omitted

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Recall that global Lyapunov exponents are defined as long-term averages involving the limit t→∞t\to\infty.
  2. Understand that local Lyapunov exponents use the same basic idea of measuring stretching.
  3. Recognize that the infinite-time limit is removed from both the definition and the calculation for local exponents.
  4. Conclude that local exponents capture more spatial detail about how stretching varies from place to place.

Example

The speaker says "local Lyapunov exponents" are "exactly like global Lyapunov exponents except you take the limit as t goes to infinity out of the definition and out of the calculation". She adds they capture "a bit more spatial detail about how things" behave.

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking local exponents are a completely different mathematical concept.
  • Assuming global exponents capture fine-grained spatial variations.

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Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.