Let’s imagine, for arguments sake, that the Peruvian crater was caused by a hydrothermal explosion rather than an extraterrestrial impact. What effects can we expect from such a massive geological event?

1) People would hear a massive explosion. 

2) The explosion would be powerful enough to register on seismic charts. Such an event could produce a seismic shock equivalent to a 1.5-magnitude earthquake.

3) The explosion would release large quantities of steam and smoke. “it felt like an earthquake. Everyone was terrified. Even my animals were running all around in fear. Then there was a loud noise and a lot of smoke.”

4) A hydrtothermal explosion could release sulfurous odor: “Peasants living near the crater said they had smelled a sulfurous odor for at least an hour after the explosion.”

5) The explsoion would throw up significant amount of small stones and pepples that would rain down on areas nearby. Witnesses would describe “a thunderous roar and a rain of smaller rocks coming down.”

6) After the explosion, “small rocks rained down on the roof of her house for several minutes and she feared the house was going to collapse.”

7) After a hydrothermal explosion, it would be likely that any water sources affected would by steaming hot. Witness accounts would testify about hot water in the muddy crater.

8) People would be told that it was actually a meteorite that had landed and that a lot of money could be made by collecting its debris: The day after the event, “we heard this might be worth some money, so we went to pick up everything that was out there,” said Eugenio Vilalla, 30.  So the people picked up a few little stones and went home.

I am wondering why the Peruvian researchers have not even considered a simple geological explanation.

Now, if large quantities of small rocks “rained down for minutes,” there should be ample evidence to check the true nature of the debris. From a probabilistic point of view, I still think a terrestrial mechanism is more likely than an extraordinary and unique impact event.