Replicating species based fractal patterns for reclaiming northern Michigan waste rock piles

Abstract

Landscape planners and designers are interested in replicating natural landscape patterns to reclaim degraded landscapes to blend with existing conditions. One approach that shows promise is the use of fractal geometry to create natural landscape patterns. While the measurement of the actual fractal dimension of an object is difficult, the box-counting method (developed at Agrocampus Ouest, Angers, France) approximates the fractal dimension of an object. This process is illustrated by measuring and replicating a stand of trees in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and applying the method for a planting plan on a Northern Michigan surface mine. The estimated fractal dimensions for the tree species are calculated: 0.329 for Tsuga canadensis Carriere, 0.674 for Thuja occidentalis L., 0.607 for Acer rubrum L, 0.345 for Acer saccharum Marshall, 0.442 for Pinus strobus L., and 0.359 for Picea glauca (Moench) Voss. and were applied in the design of a revegetation plan.