A multivariate Weierstrass–Mandelbrot function

Abstract

The univariate Weierstrass–Mandelbrot function is generalized to many variables to model higher dimensional stochastic processes such as undersea topography. Because this topography is difficult to measure at small length scales over the many large regions that affect long-ranged acoustic propagation in the ocean, one needs a stochastic description that can be extrapolated to both large and small features. Fractal surfaces are a convenient framework for such a description. Computer-generated plots for the two-variable case are presented. It is shown that in the continuum limit the multivariate function is equivalent to the multivariate fractional Brownian motion.