Multi-Clock Structure

A layered temporal model enabling multi-scale simulation.

The Multi-Clock Structure is the backbone of E.D.E.N.’s temporal architecture.
It allows different simulation domains to evolve at different cadences while maintaining global determinism.

This page explores the conceptual framework behind the engine’s multiple clocks.

Purpose

The purpose of the multi-clock model is to support a world that evolves on many timescales simultaneously.
Geology changes slowly.
Weather evolves rapidly.
Human systems respond somewhere in between.

Each subsystem updates at the rate appropriate to its processes.

Core Principles

Temporal Stratification — slow, medium, fast, and real-time clocks.
Deterministic Ordering — each clock fires in a stable sequence.
Flexible Cadence — subsystems choose the clock matching their behavior.
No Overlap or Conflict — systems updating at different speeds never interfere.
Unified Time Model — all clocks share the same absolute timeline.

System Model

Slow Clock

Long-term processes.
Examples:

plate movement
erosion
long-scale climate cycles

Medium Clock

Moderate processes.
Examples:

hydrology
seasonal transitions
biome adaptation

Fast Clock

Rapid environmental dynamics.
Examples:

pressure systems
short-term weather
local atmospheric interactions

Real-Time Clock

Highly interactive systems.
Examples:

UI
user interaction
scenario tools
gameplay logic (future)

How It Interacts With Other Systems

Subsystems choose their clock.
Tick Engine executes clocks in deterministic order.
Fields receive updates at clock-dependent cadences.
Overlays reflect clock-driven changes.
Application Layer provides time control.

What This Enables

believable evolution of global systems
multi-scale emergent behavior
long-term scenario playback
smooth, real-time interaction
consistent behavior across use cases
a foundation for educational demonstration

Visual Examples (Optional)

clock timeline diagram
subsystem-to-clock mapping visual

Public Extensibility Notes

In the future SDK, developers may:

define new clocks
attach subsystems to custom cadences
create clock-dependent scenario scripts

The multi-clock structure is designed to grow with the engine.