[meteorite-list] Does Friction or Ram Pressure Cause Meteor Ablation

[JoshuaTreeMuseum]

I know it was discussed awhile back about whether atmospheric friction or 
ram pressure causes meteor ablation, but I don't remember if the science was 
ever settled. If you Google the question, the overwhelming majority of hits 
say it's friction with oxygen, argon and nitrogen  molecules that causes the 
heat. Even an NAU site says this. Dig a little deeper and you discover 
claims that it's a myth, the heat is caused by ram pressure. So which is it, 
compressed air or friction?

I vote for ram pressure.

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Phil Whitmer