Crater Central Peaks – Multipanel

As the size of impacting asteroids or comets increases, so does the energy that is transferred into the surface to form the crater. The enormous energy imparted in the making of larger craters is often expressed as a central peak. These mountainous peaks are formed when the floor of the crater rebounds upward from the force of impact. Central peaks are only found on the Moon in craters with diameters larger than about 15 km. Examples of lunar craters with central peaks are shown in this image.

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