
Fractal landscapes
Fractal landscapes are natural or artificial terrains characterized by complex, self-similar patterns that repeat at different scales. This means that small sections resemble larger ones, with features such as jagged mountains, rugged coastlines, or intricate river networks displaying similar irregularities regardless of zoom level. These patterns arise from processes like erosion, geological activity, and climate, and they follow mathematical rules known as fractals. Understanding fractal landscapes helps us better grasp Earth’s natural complexity, improve computer-generated modeling, and analyze environmental changes across various scales.