Shape
The prototypical Hubbert curve is a probability density function of a logistic distribution curve. It is not a gaussian function (which is used to plot normal distributions), but the two have a similar appearance. The density of a Hubbert curve approaches zero more slowly than a gaussian function:
The graph of a Hubbert curve consists of three key elements:
- a gradual rise from zero resource production that then increases quickly
- a "Hubbert peak", representing the maximum production level
- a drop from the peak that then follows a steep production decline.
The actual shape of a graph of real world production trends is determined by various factors, such as development of enhanced production techniques, availability of competing resources, and government regulations on production or consumption. Because of such factors, real world Hubbert curves are often not symmetrical.
Read more about this topic: Hubbert Curve
Famous quotes containing the word shape:
“his fear of the word veil;
and in the shape of a ship,
still another who slept.”
—Joáo Cabral De Melo Neto (b. 1920)
“Fortuitous circumstances constitute the moulds that shape the majority of human lives, and the hasty impress of an accident is too often regarded as the relentless decree of all ordaining fate.”
—Augusta Evans (18351909)
“Political image is like mixing cement. When its wet, you can move it around and shape it, but at some point it hardens and theres almost nothing you can do to reshape it.”
—Walter F. Mondale (b. 1928)