Spatially heterogeneous dynamics in a model for granular compaction.

We suggest the emergence of spatially correlated dynamics in slowly compacting dense granular media by analyzing analytically and numerically multipoint correlation functions in a simple particle model characterized by slow nonequilibrium dynamics. We show that the logarithmically slow dynamics at large times is accompanied by spatially extended dynamic structures that resemble the ones observed in glass-forming liquids and dense colloidal suspensions. This suggests that dynamic heterogeneity is another key common feature present in very different jamming materials.