This collection of articles forms a cohesive text on the rapidly evolving field of nonlinear dynamics of continous systems. It addresses researchers but it can also be used as a text for graduate work. The authors demonstrate through numerous examples the use of common tools of mathematical analyses and dynamical interpretations for the study of nonlinear phenomena. Instead of providing a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving field, the contributors treat the essence of what is known about the formation of spontaneous structures in dissipative continuous systems and about the...