Geometric detection of coupling directions by means of inter-system recurrence networks

We introduce a geometric method for identifying the coupling direction between two dynamical systems based on a bivariate extension of recurrence network analysis. Global characteristics of the resulting inter-system recurrence networks provide a correct discrimination for weakly coupled Rössler oscillators not yet displaying generalised synchronisation. Investigating two real-world palaeoclimate time series representing the variability of the Asian monsoon over the last 10,000 years, we observe indications for a considerable influence of the Indian summer monsoon on climate in Eastern China rather than vice versa. The proposed approach can be directly extended to studying K>2K>2 coupled subsystems.

► We propose a new geometric method for detecting the coupling direction between dynamical systems.
► Global network measures correctly identify the coupling direction for two Rössler oscillators.
► The Indian summer monsoon is found to influence the East Chinese climate rather than vice versa.