AUC Geographica  99

REVIEW ARTICLE: METHODS OF FRACTAL GEOMETRY USED

IN THE STUDY OF COMPLEX GEOMORPHIC NETWORKS
M IC H A L K USÁ K
Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Czech Republic

ABSTRACT

Fractal geometry methods allow one to quantitatively describe self-similar or self-affined landscape shapes and facilitate the complex/
holistic study of natural objects in various scales. They also allow one to compare the values of analyses from different scales (Mandelbrot
1967; Burrough 1981). With respect to the hierarchical scale (Bendix 1994) and fractal self-similarity (Mandelbrot 1982; Stuwe 2007) of the
fractal landscape shapes, suitable morphometric characteristics have to be used, and a suitable scale has to be selected, in order to evaluate
them in a representative and objective manner.
This review article defines and compares: 1) the basic terms in fractal geometry, i.e. fractal dimension, self-similar, self-affined and random
fractals, hierarchical scale, fractal self-similarity and the physical limits of a system; 2) selected methods of determining the fractal dimension
of complex geomorphic networks. From the fractal landscape shapes forming complex networks, emphasis is placed on drainage patterns
and valley networks.
If the drainage patterns or valley networks are self-similar fractals at various scales, it is possible to determine the fractal dimension by
using the method “fractal dimension of drainage patterns and valley networks according to Turcotte (1997)”. Conversely, if the river and
valley networks are self-affined fractals, it is appropriate to determine fractal dimension by methods that use regular grids. When applying
a regular grid method to determine the fractal dimension on valley schematic networks according to Howard (1967), it was found that the
“fractal dimension of drainage patterns and valley networks according to Mandelbrot (1982)”, the “box-counting dimension according to
Turcotte (2007a)” and the “capacity dimension according to Tichý (2012)” methods show values in the open interval (1, 2). In contrast, the
value of the “box-counting dimensions according to Rodríguez-Iturbe & Rinaldo (2001) / Kolmogorov dimensions according to Zelinka &
Včelař & Čandík (2006)” was greater than 2. Therefore, to achieve values in the open interval (1, 2) more steps are needed to be taken than in
the case of other fractal dimensions.

Keywords: fractal, drainage patterns, valley network, fractal dimension

1. Introduction 1967; Robert 1988; Nikora 1991). Currently, fractal

parameters have been used in geomorphology (Table 1):
1.1 Introduction and objectives 1) while studying the spatial distribution of objects with
different sizes (from microscopic to macroscopic objects);
Fractal aspects of complex nonlinear dynamic sys- 2) while describing objects of intricate shapes (e.g. coral
tems are ubiquitous in the landscape and in its studied reefs, valley networks, mountains, caves, sand dunes);
phenomena (Table 1). Many natural features of the land- and 3) while studying processes and their areal distribu-
scape have the appearance of a fractal; an example may tion (e.g. erosion, chemical and mechanical weathering).
be drainage patterns and valley networks or coast lines. Fractal geometry thus provides a way to quantitatively
Methods of fractal geometry have a mathematical basis describe self-similar or self-affined landscape shapes,
which can be successfully applied in geomorphology. The enables new approaches to measurements and analyses,
behavior of complex natural phenomena, such as drain- and allows the holistic study of natural objects in various
age systems, is at the forefront of research (Mandelbrot scales and a comparison of analysis values of different
1982; Voss 1988; Turcotte 1997, 2007a, 2007b; Bartolo scales (Mandelbrot 1967; Burrough 1981).
& Gabriele & Gaudio 2000; Rodríguez-Iturbe & Rinaldo When characterizing the fractal shape of complex geo-
2001; Saa et al. 2007; Stuwe 2007; Khanbabaei & Karam & morphic networks it is necessary to know and understand
Rostamizad 2013). Fractal dimensions and other fractal the basic concepts of fractal geometry, such as the fractal
parameters in geomorphology are mainly used to quan- dimension, hierarchical scale, fractal self-similarity or
titatively describe the topography of landscape fractal physical boundary of the system. This work is based on
shapes and to build models of their development (Xu et a review of international and national literature in order
al. 1993; Baas 2002). to: 1) define and evaluate basic terms of fractal geome-
In geomorphology, methods of fractal geometry were try which are applicable to the fractal shapes of complex
first applied in the study of the lengths of coastlines and geomorphic networks; and 2) define and evaluate cer-
the shape of drainage patterns and faults (Mandelbrot tain methods of determining the fractal dimension of

http://dx.doi.org/10.14712/23361980.2014.19
Kusák, M. (2014): Review article: Methods of fractal geometry used in the study of complex geomorphic networks
AUC Geographica, 49, No. 2, pp. 99–110
100  AUC Geographica
Tab. 1 Use of methods of fractal geometry in natural science (according to De Cola and Lam 2002a, 2002c).

Use of methods of fractal geometry in natural science

Discipline Object of study Discipline Object of study
Astronomy Shape of Moon impacts; shape of galaxies Botany Shape of tree branches and roots
Shape of vascular and nervous system,
Geology Thickness of layers of sedimentary rocks Anatomy
description of air sacks
Shapes of clouds, transfer of air temperature
Meteorology Ecology Extension and concentration of pollution
and water vapor
Hydrology Shape of drainage patterns, water surface Landscape Ecology Description of land cover
Shape of coast and shoreline of lakes,
Geomorphology Land surface, the extent of surface erosion Cartography
map generalization

complex geomorphic networks. From the complex net- object. The more the fractal dimension differs from the
works emphasis is placed in this research on drainage topological dimension, the more segmented an object is
patterns and valley networks. (Mandelbrot 1967). For example the shapes of drainage
patterns or valley networks are made up of lines (topolog-
1.2 Definition of a fractal ical dimension = 1), which are put on a plane (topological
dimension = 2). The fractal dimension of the drainage
The term fractal was first used by B. B. Mandelbrot patterns therefore describes to what extent the lines fill in
(1967), who defined it as a set, whose fractal dimension the space on the plane and reach the values in the open
is greater than its topological dimension (Table 2). The interval (1; 2). The more the drainage pattern fills in the
difference between the fractal and the topological dimen- drainage basin, the more its fractal dimension approaches
sion thus indicates the level of segmentation of a given the value of 2 (Turcotte 1997).

Tab. 2 Definitions of terms of fractal geometry.

Author Definition
Dimension
A dimension is a fundamental characteristic of geometrical shapes, which when scaling remains unchanged.
A dimension can be generally expressed as: N = kD
where k is the reduction ratio, N is the minimum number of reduced shapes that can cover the original shape,
Tichý (2012) and D is the dimension. In other words:
A) if a line is reduced k-times, then to cover the original segment N = k2 new (reduced) lines are needed;
B) if a rectangle is reduced k-times, then to cover the original rectangle N = k2 new (reduced) rectangles are needed;
C) if a cuboid is reduced k-times, then to cover the original cuboid N = k3 new (reduced) cuboids are needed.
Initiator
Horák & Krlín & Raidl
An initiator is the part of the shape, which is, under the construction of a fractal, replaced by a generator.
(2007)
Generator
Horák & Krlín & Raidl A generator is the shape that under the construction of fractal, replace initiator, i.e. which forms the overall shape of
(2007) the fractal object.
Topological dimension, also called the Lebesgue covering dimension
The topological dimension of n-dimensional Euclidean space is N. It is an integer dimension, which describes
Čech (1959); geometric objects. The topological dimension of a point = 0, the topological dimension of a line or curve = 1, the
John (1978) topological dimension of an area = 2. The topological dimension determines the minimum number of parameters
needed to accurately determine the position of an object in the given space.
Fractal dimension, also called the Hausdorff–Besicovitch dimension
Hausdorff (1919 in A fractal dimension indicates the segmentation level of an object using a non-integer dimension. The shape of a
Mandelbrot 2003); Baas valley network is formed by lines embedded in the plane, and the fractal dimension describes to what extent the
(2002); Tichý (2012) space on the plane of the line is filled, thus reaching values in the open interval (1, 2).
Affine transformation
Rodríguez-Iturbe &
Affine transformations include scale changing, i.e. resizing, rotation and displacement of the field, in which the
Rinaldo (2001); Turcotte
fractal shape is captured.
(2007a)
Hausdorff measure
A Hausdorff measure is any number in the open interval (0, ∞) for each set of Rn, which has the role of a generator,
Turcotte (2007a)
i.e. forms an overall shape of a fractal object.
 AUC Geographica  101
1.3 Definition of landscape shapes forming complex are often formed in areas with a low vertical division
geomorphic networks without the influence of structures); 2) parallel networks
(they are often formed in areas with a considerable incli-
Landscape shapes, which are characterized by fractal nation of slopes or by the aggradation of large rivers;
geometry methods, include shapes forming complex geo- 3) trellis networks and 4) rectangular networks (they
morphic networks on the landscape, e.g. drainage patterns occur in areas with a dominant influence of continuous –
(Horton 1945), valley networks (Babar 2005), patterned folds and discontinuous – faults tectonic deformations);
ground polygons (Washburn 1979), or morphotectonic 5) radial networks (formed, for example, on volcanic
networks of lineaments (Kim et al. 2004). As watercours- cones); 6) annular networks (formed by destruction of
es join into drainage patterns, so the system of mutual- vaults of sedimentary rocks).
ly interconnected valleys forms the valley networks, i.e.
the system of linear depressions, each of which extends 1.4 Morphometric characteristics of complex
in the direction of its own thalweg (Davis 1913; Goudie geomorphic networks
2004). The basic units of the drainage patterns are there-
fore watercourses, and the basic units of valley networks Complex geomorphic networks can be presentable
are thalwegs. The shapes and density of drainage patterns and objectively evaluated by morphometric characteris-
and valley networks are the result of the geomorpholog- tics. These characteristics describe hierarchical relations
ical development of the whole area and reflect the influ- of units within the network and allow for a correlation
ence of the lithological-tectonic base (structure) and ero- between the sizes of several networks (Table 3) (Horton
sion on the formation of the landscape (Stoddart 1997). 1945; Babar 2005; Huggett 2007). For example, morpho-
Six basic shapes of valley networks have been distin- metric characteristics are commonly used in:
guished (Howard 1967; Fairbridge 1968; Demek 1987; 1) hydrology to describe drainage patterns (Horton 1945;
Babar 2005; Huggett 2007): 1) dendritic networks (they Strahler 1957);

Tab. 3 Morphometric characteristics of valley networks according to Horton (1945), Turcotte (1997) and Mangold (2005).

Morphometric characteristics of valley networks

Name Calculation Definition
Number of order X valleys nX It has been determined as the number of all order X valleys in the valley network.
It has been determined as the ratio of the total lengths of thalwegs L to the valley network
Valley network density D D=L/P
area P.
Frequency F F=N/P It has been determined as the ratio of the number of valleys n to the study area P.
It indicates the rate of valley network branching. Where nX is the “number of valleys of the
Bifurcation ratio
Rb = nX / nX+1 given order” according to the Gravelius ordering system (Gravelius 1914) and nX+1 is the
of valleys Rb
“number of valleys of one order higher” in the given valley network.
Total length of order X
It has been defined as the sum of lengths of all order X valleys in the valley network.
valleys tX
Where tX is the “total lengths of valleys of the given order” according to the Gravelius
Total length-order ratio
T = tX+1 / tX ordering system (Gravelius 1914) and tX+1 is “the total length of valleys of one order higher”
of valleys T
in the given valley network.
Where tX is the “total length of valleys of the given order” according to the Gravelius ordering
Average length of order X
LX = tX / nX system (Gravelius 1914) and nX is the “number of valleys of the given order” in the given
valleys lX
valley network.
Where lX is the “average lengths of valleys of the given order” according to the Gravelius
average length-order ratio
Rr = lX / lX+1 order system (Gravelius 1914) and lX+1 is the “average valley length of one degree higher
of valleys Rr
order” in the same network.
Fractal dimension Where Rb is the “bifurcation ratio of valleys” and Rr is the “average length-order ratio of
Fd = ln(Rb) / ln(Rr)
of valleys F valleys”.
It express the angles at which the subsidiary (order X + 1) valleys run into the main (order X)
Valley junction angle
valleys projected on a horizontal plane.
Frequency of valley It has been determined as the ratio of the number of valley junction angle U to the valley
H=U/P
junction angle H network area P.
It has been defined by comparing the lengths of the longest and the shortest valleys of
the given order. This characteristic is based on the analogy of homogeneity of the polygon
Homogeneity of order X lengths of the patterned ground. The valleys of a given order are homogeneous if the length
valleys of the longest order valley does not exceed three times the lengths of the shortest valley
of the same order. If the valley network is not “homogeneous”, it is designated as being
“variable”.
102  AUC Geographica
2) geomorphology to describe valley networks (Table 3; total number of river springs within the network
Turcotte 1997; Babar 2005), morphotectonic net- above this watercourse (in the direction towards the
works of lineaments (Ekneligod & Henkel 2006), or to river springs).
describe patterned ground (Washburn 1979);
3) botany to describe leaf venation (Zalensky 1904);
4) transport geography to describe transport communi- 2. Methods
cations (Kansky 1963).
The most commonly used morphometric characteris- Technical publications dealing with general fractal
tics (Table 3) are based on the number of valleys, which geometry and the application of its methods in various
are of course affected by hierarchical ordering – network fields of science were selected to define and evaluate
order. In order to describe drainage patterns and valley the basic terms of fractal geometry. The terms of fractal
networks, absolute and relative models of determining geometry were defined for an example of drainage pat-
the network order system have been used. The absolute terns and valley networks and subsequently the views
model, also called the Gravelius ordering system of drain- by various authors on the river or valley networks were
age patterns (Gravelius 1914), describes the network away compared.
from the river mouth to the river springs (Figure 2A). Various methods of determining the fractal dimension
The network is formed by the main/primary (order X) of networks were defined based on research of drainage
watercourse, into which the subsidiary/secondary (order patterns and valley networks. For each method the con-
X+1) watercourses flow, and into these watercourses later ditions of use were described and subsequently their
flow the tertiary (order X+2) watercourses, etc. (Gravelius advantages and disadvantages compared to the other
1914). After the watercourse division (order X), a water- mentioned methods were evaluated. To evaluate the frac-
course of a higher order (X+1) begins from two water- tal dimension calculations using regular grids the “frac-
courses above the river mouth, which has: A) a shorter tal dimension of drainage patterns and valley networks
length; B) a lower rate of flow; C) a greater angle towards according to Mandelbrot (1982)”, the “box-counting
the watercourse in front of the river point. By contrast, a dimensions according to Rodríguez-Iturbe & Rinaldo
watercourse of the same order (X) remains a watercourse (2001) / Kolmogorov dimensions according to Zelinka &
which has: A) a greater length; B) a greater rate of flow; Včelař & Čandík (2006)”, the “box-counting dimension
C) a smaller angle towards the watercourse in front of the according to Turcotte (2007a)” and the “capacity dimen-
river point (Gravelius 1914). sion according to Tichý (2012)” were applied to the sche-
Relative models of network ordering systems describe matic valley networks according to Howard (1967).
the network away from the river springs to the estuary.
1st order watercourses are parts of the watercourse from
the river springs to the first node, i.e. the confluence of 3. Results and discussion
watercourses in the network. The most commonly used
relative network order systems are: 3.1 Definitions of terms of fractal geometry
1) Horton ordering system of drainage patterns (Hor-
ton 1945), where by joining two watercourses of the 3.1.1 Self-similar and self-affined fractal
same order X the watercourse below the node obtains This is a large group of fractals, which is in particular
the order X+1 (in the direction from the river springs used to describe and illustrate natural objects. The math-
to the estuary), and at the same time the watercourse ematical definition of self-similarity in the two-dimen-
above of the node (in the direction from the river sional space is based on the relation of points F and F´,
springs to the estuary) changes from order X to order where F(x, y) is statistically similar to point F´(rx, ry),
X+1 which has: A) a greater length; or B) a smaller and where r is the affine transformation (Table 2; Tur-
angle against the watercourse in front of the node cotte 2007a). The self-similar fractals are isotropic, i.e.
(Figure 2B); they have, in all respects, the same properties and the val-
2) Strahler ordering system of drainage patterns (Strahler ues of fractal parameters are logically not dependent on
1957), where by joining two watercourses of the same the orientation of x and y axes (Mandelbrot 1982, 2003;
order X the watercourse below the node (in the direc- Rodríguez-Iturbe and Rinaldo 2001). Self-similar fractals
tion from the river springs to the estuary) obtains the are resistant to affine transformations, i.e. no matter how
order X+1, and where by joining two watercourses of the cutout area, where the fractal landscape shape is dis-
different orders the watercourse below the node takes played, will extend/diminish, rotate or shift, the fractal
the number of the higher order of the watercourse shape remains the same.
above the node that is not increased (Figure 2C); The mathematical definition of self-affinity in the
3) Shreve ordering system of drainage patterns (Shreve two-dimensional space is based on the relationship of
1966), where an addition of orders occurs (Figure 2D) points F and F´, where F(x, y) is statistically similar to
by the joining of two watercourses, i.e. the order of point F´(rx, rHay), where r is an affine transformation and
each watercourse within the network indicates the Ha is the Hausdorff measure (Table 2; Turcotte 2007a).
 AUC Geographica  103
Self-affined fractals are not isotropic (Mandelbrot 1982,
2003), i.e. they do not have the same properties in all
respects (Mandelbrot 1982, 2003) and the values of fractal
parameters are dependent on the orientation of the x and
y axes (Rodríguez-Iturbe and Rinaldo 2001). Self-affined
fractals are not resistant against affine transformations,
i.e. if the cutout of the area, in which the fractal landscape
form is displayed, will increase/decrease, rotate or shift in
any way, the fractal shape will change.
The authors’ views on the shape of drainage patterns
or valley networks differ in the world literature. Mandel-
brot (1982) describes the drainage patterns as self-simi-
lar fractals by using Horton’s laws (Horton 1945). Voss
(1988) adapts the measurements and designates the
drainage patterns as self-affined fractals. Kusák (2013)
in his fractal analysis of the valley networks in the Ethi-
opian Highlands divides the shapes of valley networks
into two groups: 1) the shapes defined by the relationship
of the main valley and subsidiary valleys connected to Fig. 1 Ordering systems of drainage patterns. Note: A – Gravelius
it, i.e. dendritic, trellis and rectangular valley networks ordering system of drainage patterns (Gravelius 1914); B – Horton
that meet the definition conditions of self-similarity; and ordering system of drainage patterns (Horton 1945); C – Strahler
ordering system of drainage patterns (Strahler 1957); D – Shreve
2) the shapes defined on the basis of mutual relation of ordering system of drainage patterns (Shreve 1966).
several major valleys, i.e. parallel, radial and annular val-
ley networks that meet the conditions of the self-affinity
definition. self-similarity (Mandelbrot 1982; Stuwe 2007). The fractal
shape can be divided into parts, each of which is (at least
3.1.2 Hierarchical scale, fractal self-similarity, physical limits approximately) a copy of the whole shape. Fractal land-
of the system scape shapes are thus defined in any resolution without
At the beginning of each landscape research it is nec- giving the scale and their shape remains the same at any
essary to determine the scale to which the given shapes magnification or reduction (Baas 2002; Farina 2006). So
are described. When the map scale is increased (decrease the shapes in the given scale are affected by the whole
in the size of pixel/picture element, decrease in the study of the superior scale and they alternatively influence the
area), a greater number of smaller shapes is shown on sub-whole of the hierarchically interior scale. According
the map, e.g. cirques, etc. Such shapes are independent to Bendix (1994) the scale-independent shapes have a
of each other and have a non-hierarchical scale (Bendix hierarchical scale. Self-similarity can in practice mean
1994). that when illustrating river drainage patterns without
Complex geomorphic networks consist of con- giving any scale, the flow of e.g. the Amazon is not recog-
stantly recurring characteristic shapes, so called fractal nizable from any other water course (Figure 1). Tarbotton

Fig. 2 Fractal self-similarity of drainage patterns. Note: A – Amazon drainage pattern (drainage basin 6,915,000 km2); B – Berounka
drainage pattern (drainage basin 8,855.47 km2).
104  AUC Geographica
(1996) terms this property of fractal landscape shapes as Lam 2002b). According to Phillips (2002), Horton’s laws
the scale independence, Turcotte (1997, 2007a, 2007b) are more mathematical abstractions than the real state of
terms it as the scale invariance. the drainage patterns. Phillips (2002) conducted an anal-
When measuring the length of a coast line it holds ysis of the drainage patterns in the southern Appalachi-
true that the length of the coastline increases with a more an Mountains with 30% of the drainage patterns having
detailed scale (Mandelbrot 2003), i.e. the so-called Rich- Fd < 1; 36% of the drainage patterns having 1 < Fd < 2;
ardson effect (Zelinka & Včelař & Čandík 2006). In a and 34% of the drainage patterns having Fd > 2. The “frac-
mathematical sense, the geometrical structure in fractals tal dimension of drainage patterns and valley networks
is repeated up to infinity, i.e. the coastline would reach an according to Turcotte (1997)” is therefore not limited by
infinite length at an infinitely large scale. With the fractal an open interval (1; 2). Although the “fractal dimension
structure of landscape shapes there are certain bounda- of drainage patterns and valley networks according to
ries that cannot be overcome, so called physical limits to Turcotte (1997)” is not limited by the open interval (1; 2),
the system. For example, according to Tichý (2012) the it is recognized in the world literature as a universal meth-
ratio between the largest and the smallest part of a fractal od for calculating the fractal parameters of drainage pat-
(self-similar) landscape shape is a maximum of 500 : 1. terns and it is used most in geographic studies (e.g. Sung
However, figure 2 shows that the ratio between the shape et al. 1998; Sung & Chen 2004; Turcotte 2007a, 2007b).
of the Amazon’s drainage pattern and that of the Beroun-
ka is approximately 781:1. Due to the physical limits of 3.2.2 Determination of dimensions through the use of regular grids
the system, i.e. the limit that cannot be overcome in the Turcotte (2007a) studied self-affined fractal shapes and
landscape, geomorphology uses the fractal dimension of in determining the fractal dimension of shapes he over-
a final line (sensu Mandelbrot 2003). laps these shapes with a regular grid, where each cell in
the regular grid has dimensions r and h. Turcotte (2007a)
3.2 Fractal dimension of drainage patterns gave an example of a self-affined fractal structure, where
and valley networks in the first step, the original shape of the line (indicator),
which can be overlapped by just one cell, is divided into
3.2.1 “Fractal dimension of drainage patterns and valley networks four lines (generator) that can be overlapped by four cells
according to Turcott (1997)” of a regular grid (Figure 3A, 3B). In the second and third
Turcotte (1997, 2007a, 2007b) studied the use of frac-
tals to describe the landscape and on the basis of bifurca-
tion ratio Rb and the length-order ratio Rr (Table 2), he
compiled a formula for calculating the fractal dimension
D of drainage patterns and valley networks:
D = ln(Rb) / ln (Rr).
The value of a fractal dimension indicates the extent
to which the area is filled with watercourses or valleys.
Increasing the value of the fractal dimension of drain-
age patterns of the order X + 1 means that the number of
watercourses of the order X + 1 has increased or that the
length of watercourses of the order X + 1 has increased,
and the drainage patterns therefore fill the study area to
a greater extent. The fractal dimension of drainage pat-
terns and valley networks are different in various regions
(due to the influence of the structural bedrock, tectonic
activities) and even within a single region when changing
the scale (Burrough 1981; Sung et al. 1998; Sung & Chen
2004).
However, Phillips (2002) describes the inaccuracies
of the “fractal dimension of drainage patterns and valley
networks according to Turcotte (1997)”. The formula for Fig. 3 Example of self-affined fractals according to Turcotte
(2007a), modified. Note: A – zero initial condition of the shape of
calculating the fractal dimension is based on the bifur- a self-affined fractal: an initiator, i.e. a straight line leading from
cation ratio and length-order ratio, which are based on point X(0, 0) to point Y(r, h), overlaid with one cell of a regular grid;
the first and the second of Horton’s law (Horton 1945). B – the first step in the formation a self-affined fractal: generator,
Horton’s laws describe drainage patterns as self-similar consisting of four lines, overlaid with four cells of regular grids;
C – the second step in the formation of a self-affined fractal,
fractals, i.e. he gives the same values of bifurcation ratios overlaid with 16 cells of regular grids; D – the third step in the
and length ratios between all orders. Real drainage pat- formation of a self-affined fractal, overlaid with 64 cells of regular
terns, however, are not self-similar (Voss 1988; De Cola & grids.
 AUC Geographica  105
step, each line (initiator) is likewise divided into four lines grid overlapping the drainage pattern or valley network
(generator), which can be overlapped exactly by sixteen becomes more detailed. The closer r is to 0, the more
(Figure 3C) and sixty four (Figure 3D) cells of a regular accurate the value of the box-counting dimension. The
grid, respectively. value of the fractal dimension is not dependent on the
A regular grid can also be used in determining the size base of the logarithm (Table 4).
and shape complexity of complex geomorphic networks It was determined that the “fractal dimension of drain-
and their fractal dimension, e.g. Mandelbrot (1982), age patterns and valley networks according to Mandel-
Rodríguez-Iturbe & Rinaldo (2001), Zelinka & Včelař & brot (1982)”, the “box-counting dimension according to
Čandík (2006), Turcotte (2007a) or Tichý (2012) (Table 4). Turcotte (2007a)” and the “capacity dimension according
A complex geomorphic network, such as a drainage pat- to Tichý (2012)” reach values in the open interval (1, 2)
tern or valley network, is overlapped by a regular grid, (Table 4, Figure 5) in four steps using a regular grid, i.e.
the size of the cell side is usually defined in the inter- the first step r1 = 1, the second step r2 = 0.5, the third
val r (0, 1) (Rodríguez-Iturbe & Rinaldo 2001). The cell step r3 = 0.25, and the fourth step r4 = 0.125 (Table 4;
size r in each step gradually decreases, thus the regular Figure 4), on schematic valley networks according to

Tab. 4 The method of determining the fractal dimension by application of the regular grid by different authors and their application of
schematic valley networks by Howard (1967).

Name Calculation Dendritic Parallel Trellis Rectangular Radial Annular

“fractal N2 / N1 = kD D – fractal dimension; N1 –number r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1
dimension of cells covering drainage pattern r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5
of drainage After and valley network with sizes x1 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25
patterns modification: and y1; N2 – number of cells r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125
and valley covering drainage pattern and N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9
networks D = ln(k) (N2 / N1) valley network with sizes x2 = kx1 N2 = 33 N2 = 35 N2 = 35 N2 = 31 N2 = 32 N2 = 27
according to or and y2 = ky1; k – scaling factor, i.e. N3 = 113 N3 = 120 N3 = 135 N3 = 104 N3 = 92 N3 = 79
Mandelbrot D = log(k) (N2 / N1) r1/r2, where r1 – length of the cell N4 = 286 N4 = 309 N4 = 438 N4 = 244 N4 = 231 N4 = 212
(1985)” side of the regular grid which D1 = 1.874 D1 = 1.959 D1 = 1.959 D1 = 1.784 D1 = 1.830 D1 = 1.585
covers drainage pattern and valley D2 = 1.776 D2 = 1.778 D2 = 1.948 D2 = 1.746 D2 = 1.524 D2 = 1.549
network with N1 cells; r2 – length D3 = 1.340 D3 = 1.365 D3 = 1.698 D3 = 1.230 D3 = 1.328 D3 = 1.424
of the cell side of the regular grid
which covers drainage pattern
and valley network with N2.
“box-counting D = ln N(r) / ln D – box-counting dimension / r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1
dimensions (1/r) Kolmogorov dimension; r – length r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5
according to or of one cell side of the regular grid, r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25
Rodríguez- D = log N(r) / log which covers drainage pattern r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125
Iturbe & (1/r) and valley network; N(r) – number N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9
Rinaldo (2001) of cells of the regular grid, which N2 = 33 N2 = 35 N2 = 35 N2 = 31 N2 = 32 N2 = 27
/ Kolmogorov covers drainage pattern and N3 = 113 N3 = 120 N3 = 135 N3 = 104 N3 = 92 N3 = 79
dimensions valley network. Calculation of N4 = 286 N4 = 309 N4 = 438 N4 = 244 N4 = 231 N4 = 212
according ox-counting dimension is defined D1 – can not D1 – can not D1 – can not D1 – can not D1 – can not D1 – can not
to Zelinka only for cell sizes lengths r (0; 1), D2 = 5.044 D2 = 5.129 D2 = 5.129 D2 = 4.954 D2 = 5.000 D2 = 4.755
& Včelař & and the closer the r is to 0, the D3 = 3.410 D3 = 3.453 D3 = 3.538 D3 = 3.350 D3 = 3.262 D3 = 3.152
Čandík (2006)” value of box-counting dimension D4 = 2.720 D4 = 2.757 D4 = 2.925 D4 = 2.644 D4 = 2.617 D4 = 2.576
is more accurate.
“box-counting D = ln (N2/N1) / D – box-counting dimension; r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1 r1 = 1
dimension ln (r1/r2) N1 – number of cells covering r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5 r2 = 0.5
according or drainage pattern and valley r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25 r3 = 0.25
to Turcotte D = log (N2/N1) / network with sizes r1; N2 – number r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125 r4 = 0.125
(2007a)” log (r1/r2) of cells covering drainage pattern N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9
and valley network with sizes r2. N2 = 33 N2 = 35 N2 = 35 N2 = 31 N2 = 32 N2 = 27
N3 = 113 N3 = 120 N3 = 135 N3 = 104 N3 = 92 N3 = 79
N4 = 286 N4 = 309 N4 = 438 N4 = 244 N4 = 231 N4 = 212
D1 = 1.874 D1 = 1.959 D1 = 1.959 D1 = 1.784 D1 = 1.830 D1 = 1.585
D2 = 1.776 D2 = 1.778 D2 = 1.948 D2 = 1.746 D2 = 1.524 D2 = 1.549
D3 = 1.340 D3 = 1.365 D3 = 1.698 D3 = 1.230 D3 = 1.328 D3 = 1.424
“capacity D = ln (N) / ln (n) D – capacity dimension; N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9 N1 = 9
dimension or N – number of cells covering N2 = 33 N2 = 35 N2 = 35 N2 = 31 N2 = 32 N2 = 27
according to D = log (N) / drainage pattern and valley N3 = 113 N3 = 120 N3 = 135 N3 = 104 N3 = 92 N3 = 79
Tichý (2012)” log (n) netrosk; n – number of cells N4 = 286 N4 = 309 N4 = 438 N4 = 244 N4 = 231 N4 = 212
forming the site of regular grid. n1 = 3 n1 = 3 n1 = 3 n1 = 3 n1 = 3 n1 = 3
n2 = 6 n2 = 6 n2 = 6 n2 = 6 n2 = 6 n2 = 6
n3 = 12 n3 = 12 n3 = 12 n3 = 12 n3 = 12 n3 = 12
n4 = 24 n4 = 24 n4 = 24 n4 = 24 n4 = 24 n4 = 24
D1 = 2.000 D1 = 2.000 D1 = 2.000 D1 = 2.000 D1 = 2.000 D1 = 2.000
D2 = 1.951 D2 = 1.984 D2 = 1.984 D2 = 1.917 D2 = 1.934 D2 = 1.839
D3 = 1.902 D3 = 1.927 D3 = 1.974 D3 = 1.869 D3 = 1.820 D3 = 1.758
D4 = 1.780 D4 = 1.804 D4 = 1.914 D4 = 1.730 D4 = 1.713 D4 = 1.685
106  AUC Geographica

Fig. 4 Using a regular grid for the calculation of the fractal dimension of schematic valley networks according to Howard (1967). Note:
A – dendritic valley network; B – parallel valley network; C – trellis valley network; D – rectangular valley network; E – radial valley network;
F – annular valley network; 1 – the first step: r1 = 1, N1 (A, B, C, D, E, F) = 9; 2 – the second step: r2 = 0.5, N2 (A) = 33, N2 (B, C) = 35, N2 (D) = 31,
N2 (E) = 32, N2 (F) = 27; 3 – the third step: r3 = 0.25, N3 (A) = 113, N3 (B) = 120, N3 (C) = 135, N3 (D) = 104, N3 (E) = 92, N3 (F) = 79; 4 – the fourth
step: r4 = 0.125, N4 (A) = 286, N4 (B) = 309, N4 (C) = 438, N4 (D) = 244, N4 (E) = 231, N4 (F) = 212.
 AUC Geographica  107

Fig. 5 Value of fractal dimensions applied to schematic valley networks according to Howard (1967). Note: A – “fractal dimension of
drainage patterns and valley networks according to Mandelbrot (1982)”; B – “box-counting dimension according to Rodriguez-Iturbe &
Rinaldo (2001) / Kolmogorov dimension according to Zelinka & Včelař & Čandík (2006)”; C – “box-counting dimension according to Turcotte
(2007a); and D – “capacity dimension according to Tichý (2012)”.

Howard (1967). This is in accordance with the definitions 2 (Table 4; Figure 5). In each further step the value of
of a fractal dimension according to Hausdorff (1919 in the dimension decreases. Thus, in order for the dimen-
Mandelbrot 2003), Baas (2002), and others. When Tur- sion value to reach values of an open interval (1, 2) more
cotte (2007a) defines the calculation of his “box-counting steps are required than for the other mentioned fractal
dimension”, he refers to the definition of a “fractal dimen- dimensions.
sion of drainage patterns and valley networks according
to Mandelbrot (1982)”, and although this calculation 3.2.3 Cellular automata
is adjusted in the four steps, the values of both dimen- Fonstad (2006) studied the relations between land-
sions are identical (Table 4; Figure 5). The values of the scape ecology and geomorphology and he studied fractal
“box-counting dimension according to Rodriguez-Itur- landscape shapes by means of so-called cellular automa-
be & Rinaldo (2001) / Kolmogorov dimension according ta. Cellular automata are used for modeling the time and
to Zelinka & Včelař & Čandík (2006)”, are greater than space of fractal systems. The study area is divided into
108  AUC Geographica
discrete cells (squares, triangles or hexagons), which form the areas in the “window” are designed as homogeneous
a regular grid (square, triangular or hexagonal), called a units that can reach values of 1 (black) = there is a fractal
cellular network. The cell size is determined based on the shape and 0 (white) = there is not a fractal shape.
parameters of a specific territory, i.e. it varies in differ- In general, calculating the size of the squares accord-
ent studies. Cells in the network have values according ing to Bi et al. (2012) can also be applied for the study of
to whether or not they contain the studied fractal shape, other fractal landscape shapes. For example, when stud-
i.e. if the value of the cell is 1 (black), the fractal shape is ying drainage patterns or valley networks, we can substi-
present but if the value of the cell is 0 (white), the fractal tute n by the most numerous units in the network, i.e. the
shape is not present. In each step, the cell values change most frequent length of the rivers or valleys in the study
depending on the value of the individual cells and their area. In order to study the drainage patterns or valley net-
surroundings. works, which consist of the largest number of 3 km long
Cellular automata were first used in geomorphology rivers or valleys, an area of 81 km2 is ideal (sensu Bi et al.
by Barca et al. (1986) during the research of landslides 2012). The fractal dimension can then be determined, for
and erosion. Afterwards cellular automata were used example using the “fractal dimension of drainage patterns
in other geomorphological studies, for example on the and valley networks according to Turcotte (1997)”, and
areal extent of erosion, the spatial distribution of aeoli- then it is possible to compare how the value of the fractal
an sediments, or shapes of sand dunes. For the study of dimension varies in different parts of the basin or when
drainage patterns, cellular automata can be used only: resizing the “windows”.
1) in semi-arid or arid areas where there are temporary
streams (no surface runoff during the year); or 2) in areas
where the bedrock is composed of unconsolidated rocks, 4. Conclusion
that allow river braiding, and where the river easily and
quickly relocates its riverbed. In such areas, the cell val- Fractal landscape shapes are defined in any resolution
ues in cellular automata may change and the changes of without indicating the scale, i.e. the shape remains the
drainage patterns can be modeled using cellular autom- same at any magnification or diminution (Baas 2002;
ata. However, in most cases of drainage patterns and in Farina 2006), and they have a so-called hierarchical scale
all cases of valley networks, the use of cellular automata (Bendix 1994), where the shapes in the given scale are
is not possible, since the cells in the grid should always affected by the whole of the superior scale and they alter-
have the same values. Despite the fact that in most cases natively affect the subcomplex of a hierarchically lower
of drainage patterns and in all cases of valley networks scale. Self-similar and self-affined fractals are primarily
the use of cellular automata is not possible (because the used to describe and illustrate natural objects. Wherein,
cells in the grid have the same values), the “fractal cel- e.g. in determining the fractal shape of drainage patterns
lar model according to Bi et al. (2012)” is considered and valley networks, the results according to Mandelbrot
to be inspirational and therefore will also be briefly (1982) and Turcott (1997), i.e. self-similar fractals, and
analyzed. according to Voss (1988), i.e. self-affined fractals, are
different.
3.2.4 “Fractal cellular model according to Bi et al. (2012)” If the drainage patterns or valley networks are self-
Bi et al. (2012) use a “fractal cellular model” to eval- similar fractals, then the fractal dimension can be best
uate the fractal dimension of the landscape in the area determined using the “fractal dimension of drainage pat-
of the Ordos Block (an area of 500,000 km2 with locat- terns and valley networks according to Turcotte (1997)”.
ed between the North China Platform and the Tibetan Although this is not limited by the open interval (1, 2)
Plateau). This method can show the spatial variation of many authors use it as a universal method for calculating
the fractal properties of the relief. It is a moving model, the fractal parameters and it is frequently used. If there is
where “windows” of varying sizes are created which shift also an area of interest, i.e. a catchment area or area of the
on the digital images of the area. The size of the squares valley network which is divided into sub-areas, e.g. using
sides W, which form a quadratic grid, is calculated from the method according to Bi et al. (2012), the resulting
the relationship: value of the “fractal dimension of the drainage patterns
and valley networks according to Turcotte (1997)” would
W = 2n + 1,
be more accurate.
where n is a positive whole number in the interval <1; If the drainage patterns or valley networks are self-
10>. If n = 6 m, then the size of the shifting “window” is affined fractals, it is better to determine the fractal dimen-
65 × 65 m. The “window” with a size of 65 × 65 m is shift- sion by methods that use regular grids. When applying
ed: 1) from the upper left corner of the study area to the the method to determine the fractal dimension using a
bottom right corner; 2) only about 33 m, so that the seg- regular grid on a schematic valley network according to
ments of the area always partially overlap. Fractal param- Howard (1967) it was determined that the “fractal dimen-
eters are then examined in the parts of the relief that cap- sion of drainage patterns and valley networks by Man-
ture the shifting “window”. As with the cellular automata delbrot (1982)”, “box-counting dimension according to
 AUC Geographica  109
Turcotte (2007)” and “capacity dimension according to DEMEK, J. (1987): Obecná geomorfologie. Academia, Praha, 476.
Tichý (2012)” show a value in the open interval (1, 2). In EKNELIGODA, T. CH., HENKEL, H. (2006): The spacing cal-
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Michal Kusák
Charles University in Prague
Fakulty of Science
Albertov 6
128 43 Prague 2
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel.: +420604892482