Fractal analysis of surface drainage networks for small upland areas

A fractal analysis is given of surface drainage networks obtained from erosion plot data. Of particular interest is the comparison of the fractal dimension of micro-basins to that of major river systems. Fractal dimensions were estimated using Richardson's method and using a relationship based on Horton's bifurcation and length ratios. The small-scale fractal dimensions obtained in this study are generally in good agreement with reported values for large-scale river systems. The article also derives the fractal dimension of networks in a framework that allows differences in previously proposed relationships to be delineated. -Authors