Fractal properties of landforms in the Ordos Block and surrounding areas, China

This paper investigates the fractal properties of landforms in the Ordos Block and surrounding areas within China and discusses their geological and geomorphological implications. The Ordos Block is tectonically stable, but the surrounding areas are much more active and are affected by shear-extensional structures. We utilized the variogram method and the cellular fractal model to estimate parameters such as the fractal dimension (D), ordinate intercept (gamma), and range (R) from the SRTM3 DEM using a moving window operation. We suggest that the fractal dimension reflects the frequency of variation in elevation, while the ordinate intercept reflects the amplitude of relief. The fractal properties range from 90 m to 30 km. Geomorphological zones can be delineated using the fractal dimension and ordinate intercept. These zones are consistent with known qualitative types of topography. Some basins are characterized by high fractal dimensions and low ordinate intercepts, in contrast to mountainous areas with low fractal dimensions and high ordinate intercepts. Other areas such as the Loess Plateau and deserts also have unique values of fractal properties. The effects of geological and geomorphological processes on the fractal properties are also discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.