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The perimeter-area fractal model and its application to geology

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Abstract

Perimeters and areas of similarly shaped fractal geometries in two-dimensional space are related to one another by power-law relationships. The exponents obtained from these power laws are associated with, but do not necessarily provide, unbiased estimates of the fractal dimensions of the perimeters and areas. The exponent (DAL) obtained from perimeter-area analysis can be used only as a reliable estimate of the dimension of the perimeter (DL) if the dimension of the measured area is DA=2. If DA<2, then the exponent DAL=2DL/DA>DL. Similar relations hold true for area and volumes of three-dimensional fractal geometries. The newly derived results are used for characterizing Au associated alteration zones in porphyry systems in the Mitchell-Sulphurets mineral district, northwestern British Columbia.

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Cheng, Q. The perimeter-area fractal model and its application to geology. Math Geol 27, 69–82 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02083568

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