What are the three distinct stages of the cratering process when a large object hits the surface?
Answer
Compression, excavation, and modification
The process begins with the compression stage, where shock waves move into the ground, causing the bolide to shatter. This is followed by the excavation stage, which pushes material outward to form a cavity. Finally, the modification stage occurs as gravity causes the crater walls to collapse, potentially forming features like central peaks or multi-ring structures.
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