Study shows crowds mimic liquid movements

New research reveals that crowds can act similarly to liquids when densely packed.

Crowds behave like liquids with patterns of movement

A study led by Prof Denis Bartolo shows that densely packed crowds behave like liquids, forming ripple-like movements. Observations from the San Fermín festival in Pamplona revealed significant density changes, with people per square meter rising from two to six. When reaching over nine people per square meter, the crowd exhibited regular movement every 18 seconds, resembling waves. This pattern was also noted in footage from the 2010 Duisburg Love Parade, where dangerous overcrowding led to tragic outcomes. The research aims to improve safety at densely populated events by understanding crowd dynamics more effectively.

These findings highlight the importance of studying crowd dynamics to enhance safety at large gatherings. Events like the San Fermín festival, while celebratory, can turn dangerous due to the high volume of attendees. Recognizing crowd behavior as fluid adds a valuable perspective in preventing tragedy at large-scale events. The insights from this research can inform event planners and safety protocols, making it crucial to prioritize crowd management strategies in planning.

Highlights

Pursuing further research on crowd behaviors could save lives in future public gatherings.