Micromorphic continuum and fractal fracturing in the lithosphere

It seems that internal structures and discontinuities in the lithosphere es sentially influence the lithospheric deformation such as faulting or earthq uakes. The micromorphic continuum provides a good framework to study the co ntinuum with microstructure, such as earthquake structures. Here we briefly introduce the relation between the theory of micromorphic continuum and th e rotational effects related to the internal microstructure in epicenter zo nes. Thereafter the equilibrium equation, in terms of the displacements (th e Navier equation) in the medium with microstructure, is derived from the t heory of the micromorphic continuum. This equation is the generalization of the Laplace equation in terms of displacements and can lead to Laplace equ ations such as the local diffusion-like conservation equations for strains. These local balance/stationary state of strains under the steady non-equil ibrium strain flux through the plate boundaries bear the scale-invariant pr operties of fracturing in the lithospheric plate with microstructure.