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 fr actal dimension of micro-basins to that of major river systems. Fracta l dimensions were estimated using Richardson's method and using a rela tionship based on Horton's bifurcation and length ratios. The small-sc ale fractal dimensions obtained in this study are generally in good ag reement with reported values for large-scale river systems. In additio n to these results, the article also derives the fractal dimension of networks in a framework that allows differences in previously proposed relationships to be delineated.