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Implications of chaos, scale-invariance, and fractal statistics in geologyA set of three nonlinear total differential equations (Lorenz equations) exhibiting deterministic chaos is considered, and it is shown that these equations demonstrate that deterministic equations with deterministic initial conditions can yield stocastic solutions with fractal statistics. The logistic map, fractal distributions, and fragmentation are discussed. It is pointed out that well-defined fractal distributions of earthquakes are found both regionally and globally, and that the general applicability of the fractal relation for seismicity can provide the basis for a quantitative seismic hazard assessment. It is suggested that the governing physics of erosional topography is nonlinear and may be related to a fractal distribution of storms and floods that generate and renew erosional feature such as gullies and drainage systems.
Document ID
19910048579
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Turcotte, D. L.
(Cornell University Ithaca, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0921-8181
Subject Category
Geosciences (General)
Accession Number
91A33202
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-860
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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