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Fractal structures as least energy patterns: The case of river networks
Author(s) -
RodriguezIturbe Ignacio,
Rinaldo Andrea,
Rigon Riccardo,
Bras Rafael L.,
IjjaszVasquez Ede,
Marani Alessandro
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/92gl00938
Subject(s) - fractal , multifractal system , dissipation , work (physics) , geology , energy (signal processing) , natural (archaeology) , statistical physics , mathematics , physics , statistics , mathematical analysis , paleontology , thermodynamics
Natural drainage networks, like river basins, exhibit fractal and multifractal properties. This work shows that these properties evolve from arbitrary initial conditions by minimizing the local and global rates of energy expenditure in the system. This suggests that many fractal structures may arise as a natural consequence of least energy dissipation requirements.