Volume 32 Issue 4
Aug.  2026
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Article Navigation >  Journal of Geomechanics  > 2026  >  32(4): 806-816
SHI X D，YAO J X，ZHAO B Y，et al.，2026. Fractal characteristics of karst geology in large-scale thrust-nappe tectonic settings[J]. Journal of Geomechanics，32（4）：806−816 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025039
Citation: SHI X D，YAO J X，ZHAO B Y，et al.，2026. Fractal characteristics of karst geology in large-scale thrust-nappe tectonic settings[J]. Journal of Geomechanics，32（4）：806−816 doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025039
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Fractal characteristics of karst geology in large-scale thrust-nappe tectonic settings

doi: 10.12090/j.issn.1006-6616.2025039

  • The Eighth Geological Brigade of Hubei Provincial Geological Bureau, Xiangyang 441000, Hubei, China

More Information
  • Received: 2025-04-09
  • Revised: 2025-10-27
  • Accepted: 2025-11-24
    • Available Online: 2026-07-27
  • Published: 2026-08-28
    Abstract
  •   Objective  Large-scale thrust-nappe structures have a significant impact on the regional geological environment and are important factors controlling the development of karst systems. Quantitative analysis of karst geological fractal characteristics in such settings provides essential scientific insights into the nonlinear behavior of complex karst systems.  Methods  Focusing on the karst region along the Qingfeng fault zone, the box-counting dimension method of geological fractal theory was used to quantify key geological elements. We evaluated the fractal characteristics across both regional scales and watershed units to determine their fractal dimensions and scaling properties.  Results  The stratigraphic boundaries at both regional and watershed scales exhibit pronounced fractal characteristics. Karstification significantly enhances boundary complexity, leading to higher fractal dimensions in areas with more advanced karst development. Furthermore, thrust-nappe structures and tectonic movements strongly influence drainage network fractals, modifying the conventional spatial mapping between surface and groundwater systems. The fractal dimensions of surface drainage systems show a positive correlation with those of subsurface karst drainage systems. Peak landforms in the study area exhibit youth-stage peak-cluster characteristics, indicating an early stage in the regional karst geomorphic cycle.  Conclusions  Karst in the region exhibits fractal characteristics, and the peak evolution follows the three-stage patterns common in karst areas. Surface and groundwater systems have positively correlated fractal patterns, and stratigraphic boundary dimensions serve as a robust indicator of karst development intensity.   Significance  Clarifying the self-similarity of karst in thrust-nappe tectonic zones provides a quantitative reference and theoretical basis for assessing the relationships between faulting, karst distribution, and evolutionary dynamics, offering a valuable methodological approach for addressing similar karst geological issues.

     

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