Central limit theorem for the Horton-Strahler bifurcation ratio of general branch order

Abstract

The Horton-Strahler ordering method, originating in hydrology, formulates the hierarchical structure of branching patterns using a quantity called the bifurcation ratio. The main result of this paper is the central limit theorem for bifurcation ratio of general branch order. This is a generalized form of the central limit theorem for the lowest bifurcation ratio, which was previously proved. Some useful relations are also derived in the proofs of the main theorems.