On interval decomposition lattices

Intervals in binary or n-ary relations or other discrete structures generalize the concept of interval in an ordered set. They are defined abstractly as closed sets of a closure system on a set V, satisfying certain axioms. Decompositions are partitions of V whose blocks are intervals, and they form an algebraic semimodular lattice. Lattice-theoretical properties of decompositions are explored, and connections with particular types of intervals are established.