Applying Surface Fractal Analysis (SFA) in analysis of surface anomalies and its relation with changes in morphotectonic zones in the margin of the High Zagros Belt (HZB)

Shiran, Mahnaz; Zangane Asadi, MohammadAli; Mozzi, Paolo; Adab, Hamed; Amirhmadi, Abolghasem

doi:10.22111/jneh.2019.28484.1495

Applying Surface Fractal Analysis (SFA) in analysis of surface anomalies and its relation with changes in morphotectonic zones in the margin of the High Zagros Belt (HZB)

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

¹ PhD Student of Geomorphology, Department of Geography and Environmental science, University of Hakim Sabzevari, Sabzevar, Iran

² Associate Professor of Geomorphology, Faculty of Geography and Environmental science, University of Hakim Sabzevari, Sabzevar, Iran

³ Professor of Geology, Faculty of Geosciences, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy

⁴ Assistant Professor of remote sensing, Faculty of Geography and Environmental science, University of Hakim Sabzevari, Sabzevar, Iran

⁵ Professor of Geomorphology, Faculty of Geography and Environmental science, University of Hakim Sabzevari, Sabzevar, Iran

10.22111/jneh.2019.28484.1495

Abstract

Fractal geometry is a method for describing a self-similar or a self-affine property in complex landforms and explanation of surface complexities and roughness. In the present study, the surface fractal dimensions (SFDs) were investigated by a cellular model by covering the divider method. Results indicated that geological and geomorphological processes change the character of the fractal dimension of the landforms. Changes in lithologic boundaries and faults influence changes in the fractal dimension and their mode of influence vary according to the topographic characters such as frequency, amplitude, and types of formations. In lithologic units with hard limestone formations, the fractal dimension is low, while in alluvial formations, the fractal dimension increases. The drainage network density and tributaries margins affect the fractal dimension. Moreover, homogeneity of the lithologic units decreases the fractal dimension. In this study, the lowest fractal dimension is associated with the integrated units of Mesozoic orbitolina limestones on the border of the two structural zones of Sanandaj-Sirjan and High Zagros belt. However, friable and sensitive to erosion formations of the quaternary increase the fractal dimension. The succession of the hard and friable layers is effective on the local scale on the fractal dimension. Furthermore, mountains have lower fractal dimensions than lowlands. Generally, there is an inverse relationship between the fractal dimension and elevation and this relationship there is about the roughness index in the basin. The results illustrated that changes in the surface fractal dimension were dependent on a set of lithologic, tectonic, and geomorphologic factors. Also in complex topographic zones investigation of changes in the fractal dimension can be a useful and effective instrument for detecting and surveying of the surface anomalies.

Keywords

References

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