Correlation Between Fractal Dimension of Drainage Parameters and Seismicity in Northeast India

Abstract Statistical characteristics of seismicity (b-value), drainage systems and correlation between the fractal dimension of seismicity and drainage parameters are evaluated in the NE region of India (26°-27°N and 91°-95°E). The fractal dimension (D “ 1.85) of the fracture systems in the earth relates to the fractal dimension of seismicity. Here, an attempt has been made to correlate the fractal dimension of seismicity and drainage systems by using the correlation integral, which in turn have been correlated with the earthquake moment. The fractal dimension of the fracture traces has also been evaluated by box counting method. It is observed that while the study area as a whole is highly seismic, there are pockets of very high seismicity and areas of comparatively less seismic activity. This study reflects that the background seismicity of a region can be estimated from the fractal dimension of drainage systems.