关键词: 分形, 分维, 空间分形, 时间分形, 混沌, 地貌形态, 地貌过程, 分形地貌学

Abstract: Fractal theory is a new techniques occurred with development of modern mathematics.Fractal geomorphological research is a new direction in geomorphology with the application of fractaI theoty. Fractal geomorpholoh can be considered to bi a new discipline to deal with the principle of orgins, development and distribution of relieves of the earth surface with special reference to fractaI theory. It focuses on the fractal geometric character of the distribution of geomorphological phenomena in space and time(phase space)and the related significanes in geomorphological process. In this paper, with a brief intruduction of the basic concepts of fractal, We reviewed the recent accomplishment of the application of fractal theory to morphological research of drainage basin and various types of geomorphology and to geomor-phological process researches including following aspects:1)coastal geomorphology,2)fluvial geomorphology,3) karst geomorphology,4)other types of geomorphology including glacial landforms,soilcovered land-scape and rock talus,5)mathematical-technique to generate fractal landscapes,6)landscape evolution,and 7)fractals in geomorphological process in phase space.Fractal theory prevides a new technique to find and to describe quantitative geometrical characters of chaotic,geomorphic phenomena, and variouskindfractal dimensions become type of geomorphic parameters. Fractal theory may be a possible way for geomorphologist to study and to explain the complex and chaotic earth surface processes and landforms. As for the future research of fractal geomorphology,the following issues still need further study:1) the genetic mechanisms of geomorphic fractal,ie,the relationship between geomorphic fractals and geomorphic conditions,2)the relationship between geomorphic fractal dimensions and geomorphic processes(phase),3)relationship between range-scale of geomorphic fractals and that of geomorphic processes,4)the further study of digital modeling of fractal landscape and its relation to physical geomorphic processes, 5)fractal characteristics of geomorphic phenomena in space and time and the possibility of geomorphic forecasting.

Key words: Fractals, FractaI Dimensions, Geometric fractals, Temperal fractals, Chaos, Geomorphology, Geomorphic process, Fractal geomorphology