Nonlinear analysis of natural folds using wavelet transforms and recurrence plots

Alison Ord, Bruce Hobbs, Greg Dering, Klaus Gessner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Three-dimensional models of natural geological fold systems established by photogrammetry are quantified in order to constrain the processes responsible for their formation. The folds are treated as nonlinear dynamical systems and the quantification is based on the two features that characterize such systems, namely their multifractal geometry and recurrence quantification. The multifractal spectrumis established using wavelet transforms and the wavelet transform modulus maxima method, the generalized fractal or Renyi dimensions and the Hurst exponents for longitudinal and orthogonal sections of the folds. Recurrence is established through recurrence quantification analysis (RQA). We not only examine natural folds but also compare their signals with synthetic signals comprising periodic patterns with superimposed noise, and quasi-periodic and chaotic signals. These results indicate that the natural fold systems analysed resemble periodic signals with superimposed chaotic signals consistent with the nonlinear dynamical theory of folding. Prediction based on nonlinear dynamics, in this case through RQA, takes into account the full mechanics of the formation of the geological system. This article is part of the theme issue 'Redundancy rules: the continuouswavelet transform comes of age'.

Original languageEnglish
Article number20170257
JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
Volume376
Issue number2126
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Aug 2018

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