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(meteorobs) Re: bolide explosions
howard>> My question is: What makes them explode??<<
Howard,
Basically there are enormous pressure differences between the forward and rear
surfaces of an incoming meteorite. The atmosphere rapidly compresses the
forward surface, while behind the body a near vacuum exists. This extreme
pressure difference acts to flatten the body, creating even greater resistance
to it's forward motion. If the body isn't sturdy enough to withstand these
differances of pressure, it will explode like a dirt clod slamming into a
brick wall.
GeoZay
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