Large-scale structure of the Universe. The Zeldovich approximation and the adhesion model

A semianalytic formation model for the large-scale structure of the Universe (from a few to hundreds of megaparsecs) is discussed. The model is a natural generalization of Zeldovich's 1970 approximation and is mathematically based on the Burgers equation for low or even vanishing viscosity. It offers a natural explanation of the galaxy distribution that is observed in the scale range mentioned above and is reminiscent in its shape of a 3D mosaic or a giant cosmic web. Many predictions of the model have been confirmed by modern observations. New theoretical results related to the Burgers model are discussed together with their applications to cosmology.