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Fractal Dimension of the Hydrographic Pattern of Three Large Rivers in the Mediterranean Morphoclimatic System: Geomorphologic Interpretation of Russian (USA), Ebro (Spain) and Volturno (Italy) Fluvial Geometry

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Abstract

By applying fractal geometry analysis to the drainage network of three large watercourses in America and Europe, we have calculated for the first time their fractal dimension. The aim is to interpret the geomorphologic characteristics to better understand the morphoevolutionary processes of these fluvial morphotypes; to identify and discriminate geomorphic phenomena responsible for any difference or convergence of a fractal dimension; to classify hydrographic patterns, and finally to compare the fractal degree with some geomorphic-quantitative indexes. The analyzed catchment of Russian (California, USA), Ebro (Spain), and Volturno (Italy) rivers are situated in Mediterranean-climate regions sensu Köppen, but with different geologic context and tectonic styles. Results show fractal dimensions ranging from 1.08 to 1.50. According to the geological setting and geomorphic indexes of these basins, the lower fractal degree indicates a prevailing tectonics, active or not, while the higher degree indicates the stronger erosion processes on inherited landscapes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DiSTAR, Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Largo San Marcellino 10, 80138, Naples, Italy

    Carlo Donadio & Adriano Mazzarella

  2. CEDEX, Centre for Studies and Experimentation on Public Works, Ministry of Public Works - Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Alfonso XII 3, 28014, Madrid, Spain

    Fernando Magdaleno

  3. Technical University of Madrid, Alfonso XII 3, 28014, Madrid, Spain

    Fernando Magdaleno

  4. LAEP, Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, University of California, Berkeley, 202 Wurster Hall 2000, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA

    G. Mathias Kondolf

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  1. Carlo Donadio
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  2. Fernando Magdaleno
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  3. Adriano Mazzarella
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  4. G. Mathias Kondolf
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Correspondence to Carlo Donadio.

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Donadio, C., Magdaleno, F., Mazzarella, A. et al. Fractal Dimension of the Hydrographic Pattern of Three Large Rivers in the Mediterranean Morphoclimatic System: Geomorphologic Interpretation of Russian (USA), Ebro (Spain) and Volturno (Italy) Fluvial Geometry. Pure Appl. Geophys. 172, 1975–1984 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-014-0910-z

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