On the fractal description of natural channel networks

Fractal suggestions find interesting applications in the matter of stream networks hydraulics.Remarkable results have been obtained about the value of fractal dimensions both of a whole network and of a single channel. In this paper 17 fiver networks in Southern Italy are investigatedin terms of their fractal nature and fractal dimension. The results confirm the fractal structure of bothfiver networks and of stream channels. Geological constraints and features deriving from the maturity of the basins seem to reduce the capability of stream reaches to develop a purely branchingprocess. Consequently the fractal dimension of stream networks turns out to be appreciably different from the one predicted by the topological randomness model. Thus the values we found for the fractal dimensions are less than 2 for the networks and not equal to I for fiver reaches.