Fractals and Geochemistry

Abstract

The fascinating world of patterns and shapes found in geochemistry is indeed worth analysis by the fractal model, since not too many of them can be analyzed by classical Euclidean geometry. Furthermore, since Brownian motion is known to play an important role in geoscience (especially in evolutionary processes), it is reasonable to expect that fractal geometry is useful analytical tool. The time scales involved are of such large dimensions (>1 million years) that newer analytical procedures are needed. The fractal nature of geochemistry is only beginning to be analyzed in more detail. For instance, the following phenomena have recently been examined:

• Landforms made by weathering

• Caves and coral reefs

• Size of islands

• Ore bodies and mineral distribution

• Pollution patterns (weather patterns)

• Earthquakes