ABSTRACT
The defmition just given is general. Experts don't agree on a more explicit or mathematical defmition. 1
Fractals are all around us. Examples are: • branching configurations (e.g. in bronchial tubes, blood vessels, coral reefs,
mineral deposits, river networks, trees, ferns)
Fractal structure
• rough surfaces in general (landscapes, mountains, outcrops of rock) • fracture networks and cracks in a surface • objects that undergo fragmentation (coal and rock, soil, asteroids and meteor-
frequency distribution of aftershocks) • flow patterns (turbulence, eddies, wakes, jets, clouds, smoke, other mists,
in interplanetary magnetic fields • lightning • changes in stock prices • incomes of rich people. Figure 17.1 shows a few photographs of fractals.
