Geometrical properties of landscapes result from the geological processesthat have acted through time. The quantitative analysis of natural reliefrepresents an objective form of aiding in the visual interpretation oflandscapes, as studies on coastlines, river networks, and global topography,have shown. Still, an open question is whether a clear relationship between thequantitative properties of landscapes and the dominant geomorphologic processesthat originate them can be established. In this contribution, we show that thegeometry of topographic isolines is an appropriate observable to helpdisentangle such a relationship. A fractal analysis of terrestrial isolinesyields a clear identification of trenches and abyssal plains, differentiatesoceanic ridges from continental slopes and platforms, localizes coastlines andriver systems, and isolates areas at high elevation (or latitude) subjected tothe erosive action of ice. The study of the geometrical properties of the lunarlandscape supports the existence of a correspondence between principalgeomorphic processes and landforms. Our analysis can be easily applied to otherplanetary bodies.
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