Soliton

In mathematics and physics, a soliton is a self-reinforcing solitary wave caused by nonlinear effects in the medium. Solitons are found in many physical phenomena, as they arise as the solutions of a widespread class of weakly nonlinear partial differential equations describing physical systems. The soliton phenomenon was first described by John Scott Russell (1808-1882) who observed a solitary wave in the Union Canal, reproduced the phenomenon in a wave tank, and named it the "Wave of Translation".

See also

• Soliton (topological).
• Freak waves may be a related phenomenon.
• Topological quantum number