[Question_Assumptions]

To date, most geologists have argued that meteors are not powerful enough to crack the earth's crust.

Perhaps not, but it seems possible that a big one could send a shockwave through the earth and set off volcanoes in weak parts of the crust.

[Orion78]

Perhaps this is what kick started the giant volcanoes on Mars. Roughly on the opposite side of the planet is the giant crater Hellas Planitia. I have often wondered when looking at a Mars map if there is a connection between the two.