Organization Patterns of Complex River Networks in Chile: A Fractal Morphology

Francisco Martinez, Hermann Manriquez, Alberto Ojeda and Gabriel Olea
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Francisco Martinez: Escuela de Ingenieria Civil, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso, Av. Brasil 2147, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
Hermann Manriquez: Instituto de Geografia, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso, Av. Brasil 2241, Valparaiso 2340000, Chile
Alberto Ojeda: Escuela de Ingenieria Civil, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso, Av. Brasil 2147, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
Gabriel Olea: Escuela de Ingenieria Civil, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaíso, Av. Brasil 2147, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile

Mathematics, 2022, vol. 10, issue 11, 1-23

Abstract: River networks are spatially complex systems difficult to describe by using simple morphological indices. To this concern, fractal theory arises as an interesting tool for quantifying such complexity. In this case of study, we have estimated for the first time the fractal dimension of Chilean networks distributed across the country, analysed at two different scales. These networks insert into variable environments, not only from a climatic and hydrological point of view, but also from a morphological point of view. We investigate to which extent the fractal dimension is able to describe the apparent disorganized character of landscape, by applying two methods. Striking patterns of organization related to Horton ratios and the fractal dimension are reported and discussed. This last parameter depends on the scale of the network, showing interesting groupings by tectonic and climatological factors. Our results suggest that under restricted conditions, the fractal dimension could help to capture the intricate morphology of Chilean networks and its links with the hydrological, climatic, and tectonic conditions present across the country.

Keywords: river networks; chilean watersheds; fractal dimension; basin morphometry; structural control (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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