Fractal - Natural Phenomena With Fractal Features

Natural Phenomena With Fractal Features

Further information: Patterns in nature

Approximate fractals found in nature display self-similarity over extended, but finite, scale ranges. The connection between fractals and leaves, for instance, is currently being used to determine how much carbon is contained in trees.

Examples of phenomena known or anticipated to have fractal features are listed below:

  • clouds
  • river networks
  • fault lines
  • mountain ranges
  • craters
  • lightning bolts
  • coastlines
  • animal coloration patterns
  • Romanesco broccoli
  • heart rates
  • heartbeat
  • earthquakes
  • snow flakes
  • crystals
  • blood vessels and pulmonary vessels
  • ocean waves
  • DNA
  • various vegetables (cauliflower & broccoli)
  • Psychological subjective perception
Frost crystals formed naturally on cold glass illustrate fractal process development in a purely physical system
A fractal is formed when pulling apart two glue-covered acrylic sheets
High voltage breakdown within a 4″ block of acrylic creates a fractal Lichtenberg figure
Romanesco broccoli, showing self-similar form approximating a natural fractal
A simple fractal consisting of "rectangular" leaves developing into a "rectangular" fern

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