The fractal geometry of tidal-channel systems in the Dutch Wadden Sea

Abstract

Horton's hierarchical and fractal analysis of channel circumference reveals that tidal-channel systems in the Dutch Wadden Sea have similar branching patterns. Channel systems have the same characteristics as three- to four-times branching networks. The branch lengths of these channels decrease logarithmically. The channel systems can be regarded as ‘statistical self-similar fractal’ networks, considering the natural variability in branch lengths and channel positions. Branching of channels does not continue below the 500 m scale. The channel-system circumference length is logarithmically related to the tidal prism and drainage area. The similarity of the channel systems, regardless of their size, relative amount of intertidal flats, and tidal amplitude, points to a self-organising nature. All processes depend on the feedback between morphology and hydrodynamics. At first sight, the channel systems can be regarded as an ebb-driven drainage network, governed by erosion. However, flood-dominated net sedimentation occurs in large parts of the drainage basins and modifies the ebb-driven network. The complex interaction of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes in tidal basins limits the applicability of process-based models. Behaviour-oriented modelling has a wide applicability and can be improved using the fractal geometry as the dynamical equilibrium morphology. The fractal-network geometry can also be used for stochastic reconstructions of fossil tidal-channel systems, when only limited observations are available.