Ray and Halo Impact Crater Formation on Ganymede: Probing Crustal Properties via Z-model and Numerical Simulations

Kurzfassung

Ganymede holds a complex geological history with an ocean sandwiched between high-pressure ice layers [1], enhancing its potential for habitability. Consequently, Ganymede has become the primary target of ESA's JUICE mission [2]. The surface of Ganymede is 35% covered by old, low-albedo terrain known as dark terrain, with the remaining characterized by younger, higher-albedo terrain called light terrain [3]. These terrains are dominated by impact craters, each exhibiting distinctive morphology and ejecta patterns (Fig. 1). Studying these impact craters and their ejecta patterns will help to understand the vertical stratigraphy of Ganymede's crust at a local scale and the properties of its dark and light ices.