Cluster formation in a heterogeneous metapopulation model.

A spatially explicit heterogeneous metapopulation model with two different patch types is analyzed. Some network topologies support a partially synchronized dynamics, a state where two different clusters of patches are formed. Within each cluster the dynamics of all patches are synchronized. The linearized asymptotic stability of the partially synchronized attractor is studied. The transversal stability is analyzed and a simple expression for the transversal Lyapunov number of partially synchronized attractors is obtained.