T-points: A codimension two heteroclinic bifurcation (Q1097564)

The local bifurcation structure of a heteroclinic bifurcation which has been observed in the Lorenz equations is analyzed. The existence of a particular heteroclinic loop at one point in a two-dimensional parameter space (a ``T point'') implies the existence of a line of heteroclinic loops and a logarithmic spiral of homoclinic orbits, as well as countably many other topologically more complicated T points in a small neighborhood in parameter space.