Fractal characteristics of karst geology under the geological background of large-scale thrust tectonic

[Objective] Large-scale thrust tectonic have a significant impact on the regional geological environment, and tectonic are also a key factor controlling karst systems. Exploring the fractal characteristics of karst geology in this context can provide a scientific basis for analyzing nonlinear problems in complex karst systems. [Methods] Taking the karst area of ​​Qingfeng fault zone as the research object, the box dimension method of geological fractal theory was used to quantify the typical elements in the area, explore the fractal characteristics of regional elements and watershed unit elements, and determine the fractal dimension value and fractal characteristics of each typical element.[Results] The research shows that the stratigraphic lines of the region and watershed units have obvious fractal characteristics. Karstification significantly increases the dimensionality of stratigraphic lines, the more developed the karst, the greater the fractal dimension. Furthermore, thrust nappe structures and tectonic movements significantly influence the fractal characteristics of water systems, altering the general mapping relationship between surface and groundwater systems. The fractal dimension of surface water systems and that of underground karst water systems exhibit an approximately positive correlation. The peaks in the study area exhibit a juvenile peak cluster landform, indicating that it is in the early stages of karst cycle development. [Conclusion] Karst in the region exhibits fractal characteristics, with peak evolution following the three-stage evolutionary pattern common in karst areas. Surface and groundwater systems exhibit a positively correlated fractal pattern, and the fractal dimension of stratigraphic lines clearly indicates the degree of karst development. [Significance] Clarifying the self-similarity of karst in thrust-nappe tectonic zones provides a quantitative reference and theoretical basis for studying fault structures and karst distribution, development, and evolution, and offers new insights into karst geological issues in similar regions.