  A general theoretical framework for investigating nonlinear dynamics of phase
space zonal structures is presented in this work. It is then, more
specifically, applied to the limit where the nonlinear evolution time scale is
smaller or comparable to the wave-particle trapping period. In this limit, both
theoretical and numerical simulation studies show that non-adiabatic frequency
chirping and phase locking could lead to secular resonant particle transport on
meso- or macro-scales. The interplay between mode structures and resonant
particles then provides the crucial ingredient to properly understand and
analyze the nonlinear dynamics of Alfv\'en wave instabilities excited by
non-perturbative energetic particles in burning fusion plasmas. Analogies with
autoresonance in nonlinear dynamics and with superradiance in free electron
lasers are also briefly discussed.
