Some relations between fractal dimension of drainage networks and geomorphology of drainage basins

The fractal properties of drainage networks of some Italian drainage basins with different geomorphological characteristics have been investigated. The aims of this study are to measure the "fractal dimension" of such drainage networks and to evaluate quantitatively their geomorphological significance. To this end, four methodologies have been applied to eleven networks, whose fractal dimension (Df) has been computed. Data obtained suggest that the relation between drainage pattern and fractal dimension values is not a simple one; however, the parameter Df can express the network geometry and afford useful, quantitative information about the tectonic conditioning on the network emplacements and their evolution degree. On this basis, the differences among the complex and varied geometry of wide networks can be translated in quantitative terms. The results so far obtained are obviously preliminary, and need to be further verified; however, they are encouraging and give shape to the possibility of providing information in a parametric form about the geometry of a drainage network and its evolution degree.