Multifractal modeling of fractures in the Lac du Bonnet Batholith, Manitoba

• Published in: Computers & geosciences Vol. 22; no. 5; pp. 497 - 507
• Main Authors: Agterberg, F.P., Cheng, Qiuming, Brown, A., Good, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-06-1996
• Subjects: Box-counting dimension; Fractals; Fractures; Mass exponents; Multifractals; Sensitivity analysis; Multifractals; Mass exponents; Fractals; Fractures; Sensitivity analysis; Box-counting dimension
• ISSN: 0098-3004; 1873-7803
• DOI: 10.1016/0098-3004(95)00117-4

Algorithms to analyze fractures by multifractal modeling are discussed. This approach is more general than fractal modeling. For a small (~0.11 km
2), triangular test area near the Atomic Energy Canada Limited Underground Research Laboratory in the Lac du Bonnet Batholith, it is shown that the surface fractures have a box-counting dimension of 1.977 ± 0.009, which is slightly greater than the second-order mass exponent (= 1.926 ± 0.016). The measure used is total length of exposed surface fractures per cell of variable size. A relatively stable estimate of the multifractal spectrum of fracture intensity was obtained after correcting for local lack of exposure. These results are in agreement with one-dimensional semivariograms estimated for cells measuring 10 m on a side. Approximate isotropy of the measure is demonstrated.