Tidal forces in run C10h. The absolute value of the ratio between the highest and lowest eigenvalues of the gravitational stress tensor λ₃∕λ₁ is plotted against local density at 6.1 and 9.3 kyr. At very low density, corresponding to the outer region of the cloud, the gravitational field is dominated by the global density distribution of the cloud and by the central cluster, and thus − 2 < λ₃∕λ₁<-1. The tidal forces become less destructive at slightly higher densities. At extremely high density (> n_sink = 10¹⁰ cm⁻³), corresponding to regions in the vicinity of existing sinks, the tidal forces become locally very destructive and prevent nearby sink formation.