A meteor would experience adiabatic compression when it collides with the gases present in the Earth's atmosphere. As the meteor enters the atmosphere, it encounters increasing air resistance which causes the air molecules to be pushed aside and compressed, resulting in an increase in pressure and temperature. This process is known as aerodynamic heating or ram heating, and it leads to the meteor becoming extremely hot and undergoing significant compression.

During adiabatic compression, the meteor's kinetic energy is converted into heat energy, causing the temperature of the meteor's surface to rise rapidly. The high temperature and pressure conditions can cause the meteor's outer layer to melt or vaporize, resulting in the formation of a glowing shockwave around the meteor.

Overall, adiabatic compression plays a crucial role in shaping the trajectory, appearance, and behavior of meteors as they interact with the Earth's atmosphere. It is a key factor in understanding the dynamics and effects of meteors during their entry into the atmosphere and subsequent atmospheric interactions.