Evidences of Shear Deformations on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko: probing the internal structure of the nucleus

In this work we emphasize the occurrence of structures that can be explained by shear deformation on the nucleus of comet 67P. We first show that the majority of the lineaments in the neck regions correspond to fractures arranged in a network characteristic of shear deformation. These deformations are preferentially located in or near the neck regions. They have likely participated in the mechanical breakdown and the erosion of the nucleus. These results may have implication for deciphering the nucleus internal structural down to hundreds of meters and for inferring the nucleus material mechanical properties.