  Shock waves and the associated phenomena generated by strongly ablating
meteoroids with sizes greater than a few millimeters in the lower transitional
flow regime of the Earth's atmosphere are the least explored aspect of meteor
science. In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of literature
covering meteor generated shock wave phenomena, from the aspect of both meteor
science and hypersonic gas dynamics. The primary emphasis of this review is
placed on the mechanisms and dynamics of the meteor shock waves. We discuss key
aspects of both shock generation and propagation, including the great
importance of the hydrodynamic shielding that develops around the meteoroid. In
addition to this in-depth review, the discussion is extended to an overview of
meteoroid fragmentation, followed by airburst type events associated with
large, deep penetrating meteoroids. This class of objects has a significant
potential to cause extensive material damage and even human casualties on the
ground, and as such is of great interest to the planetary defense community. To
date, no comprehensive model exists that accurately describes the flow field
and shock wave formation of a strongly ablating meteoroid in the non-continuum
flow regime. Thus, we briefly present the current state of numerical models
that describe the comparatively slower flow of air over non-ablating bodies in
the rarefied regime. In respect to the elusive nature of meteor generated shock
wave detection, we also discuss relevant aspects and applications of meteor
radar and infrasound studies as tools that can be utilized to study meteor
shock waves and related phenomena.
