[meteorite-list] Question about Comets, Shock Waves, and Craters

[Paul H]

I have come across an  idea with people, 
while engaged in the discussion of geology, 
which claims that when a comet disintegrates, 
it can produce some type of "shock wave" that 
can impact the ground in a way as to produce 
a crater. Although the person will claim that 
this is scientifcally possible, he or she can't
produce a detailed physical model about 
how this actually happens.  

Has anyone published any type of physical 
model about how the disintegration / 
explosion / aerial detonation of a comet 
can produce "shock waves" / "jets" capable 
of producing craters?  Is there any reality 
to this idea? Or is this all technobabble 
of the type that a person hears in "Star 
Trex" and other science fiction, used to 
justify scientifically impossible plot devices?


Best Regards,

Paul
Baton Rouge, LA

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