Resorption process in Astypalaea Linea extensive region (Europa)

Whereas numerous extensive features, where new crust is created, are now well recognized on Europa's surface, those relevant to crust disappearance remain difficult to find. This work presents a reconstruction of the surface prior to Astypalaea Linea's emplacement (one of the features where new crustal material appears). We demonstrate that a scattered disappearance of crust takes place in an extensive region close to Astypalaea Linea. Physical processes invoked for disappearance are discussed: pressure melting may be responsible for the mobilization of surface material and its collapse down through the icy crust.