Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are provided for the detection of propagating phase gradients using model field theory of non-Gaussian mixtures. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for identifying phase cones in a data set. The method includes generating an initial set of values of parameters (ξA,ηA,tA) for a preset number of cones, initializing a covariance matrix with high values, evaluating the ratio of volume of a phase cone over total observed space-time volume, comparing the data set with a model, estimating a class probability density function, and generating a revised set of values of parameters (ξA,ηA,tA).