Feasibility of peak-collapse mechanism producing central pits

Determine whether collapse of a central peak during the impact modification stage on icy targets such as Ganymede and Callisto can produce a central pit depression rather than a disaggregated peak, and identify the specific physical processes and rheological conditions that would enable pit formation by peak collapse.

Background

One proposed origin for central pit craters on Ganymede and Callisto is collapse of a central peak during the impact modification stage. The authors note a fundamental uncertainty in how this mechanism could physically yield a depression instead of leaving a broken or disaggregated peak. Resolving this uncertainty is key to assessing peak collapse as a viable formation pathway for central pits on these icy satellites.