Fractal and Multifractal Analysis in Geophysics and Petrophysics: Theory, Methods, and Applications

A special issue of Fractal and Fractional (ISSN 2504-3110). This special issue belongs to the section "Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 380

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
Interests: fractal; petrophysics; geophysical well logging; unconventional resources

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Guest Editor
Hubei Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Theory and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: fractal; rock mechanics; rock physics; petrophysics; shale

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Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fractal and multifractal theories elucidate intrinsic complexities in natural systems through self-similarity and scale-invariant statistical properties. Beyond mathematical elegance, their significance lies in simplifying high heterogeneity within Earth materials by transforming disordered structures so that they adhere to quantifiable scaling laws. Key parameters such as fractal dimensions and multifractal spectra exhibit direct correlations with structural and physical characteristics in geophysics and petrophysics. Researchers have leveraged fractal theory to characterize seismic wave propagation complexity, quantify reservoir heterogeneity, identify intricate pore structures, optimize well–log curve analysis, and reveal the spatial distribution patterns of formation parameters. This interdisciplinary research domain is currently undergoing rapid expansion.

For this Special Issue “Fractal and Multifractal Analysis in Geophysics and Petrophysics: Theory, Methods, and Applications”, we are seeking original research articles which present innovative investigations and applications of fractal dimensions. Contributions may address any aspect of geophysics and petrophysics, including nonlinear analysis of geophysical field signals, quantitative characterization of multiscale rock structures, and experimental/theoretical validation of associated concepts. Our aim is to advance comprehensive and rigorous research on fractal methodologies within these disciplines.

Submitted manuscripts will undergo thorough peer review; those accepted will be published in Fractal and Fractional, an open access journal published by MDPI. Potential topics include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Porous media.
  • Earth science.
  • Exploration geophysics.
  • Well logging.
  • Unconventional resources.
  • Geotechnical engineering.
  • Rock mechanics.
  • Experimental and theoretical study.

Dr. Peiqiang Zhao
Prof. Dr. Lingyun Kong
Prof. Dr. Mehdi Ostadhassan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fractal and Fractional is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • porous media
  • fractal and multifractal
  • petrophysics
  • geophysics
  • rock mechanics
  • unconventional resources

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Published Papers

This special issue is now open for submission.
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