Lorenz system is dissapative. This means: - Volume in phase space contracts with flow? This introduces some questions... How do volumes evolve? Suppose a surface $S(t)$ encloses volume $V(t)$, with normal vectors pointing away from the surface ($\vec{n}$). A trajectory starts on S. let them evolve for $dt$. With a flux vector $\vec{f}$, we have - $\vec f \cdot \vec n$ - normal, outward component of velocity In $dt$ time, $dA$ sweeps out a volume. Volume: $(\vec f \cdot \vec n dt)dA$ $$V(t+dt) = V(t) + \int_S (\vec f \cdot \vec n dt)dA $$ $$\dot{V} = \int_S (\vec f \cdot \vec n)dA $$ Now we can apply the divergence theorem: $$\dot{V} = \int_V (\nabla \cdot \vec f )dV $$