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Title: Nonlinear extensions of a fractal-multifractal approach for environmental modeling

Journal Article · · Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment

We present the extension of a deterministic fractal geometric procedure aimed at representing the complexity of the spatio-temporal patterns encountered in environmental applications. The original procedure, which is based on transformations of multifractal distributions via fractal functions, is extended through the introduction of nonlinear perturbations to the underlying iterated linear maps. We demonstrate how the nonlinear perturbations generate yet a richer collection of patterns by means of various simulations that include evolutions of patterns based on changes in their parameters and in their statistical and multifractal properties. It is shown that the nonlinear extensions yield structures that closely resemble complex hydrologic temporal data sets, such as rainfall and runoff time series, and width-functions of river networks as a function of distance from the basin outlet. The implications of this nonlinear approach for environmental modeling and prediction are discussed.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Earth Sciences Division
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
951010
Report Number(s):
LBNL-1685E; TRN: US200911%%230
Journal Information:
Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment, Journal Name: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English