TRANSVERSE-MOMENTUM AS A MEASURE OF COLOR TOPOLOGIES

Several distinct color flow topologies are possible in multiparton con figurations. A method is proposed to find the correct topology, based on a minimization of the total transverse momentum of produced particl es. This method is studied for three-jet Z(0)-->q (q) over bar g and f our-jet W+N--->q(1) (q) over bar(2)q(3) (q) over bar(4) events. It is shown how the basic picture is smeared, especially by parton-shower ac tivity. The method, therefore, may not be sufficient on its own, but c ould still be a useful complement to others, and, e.g., help provide s ome handle on color rearrangement effects.