❓ why
Why do some rainstorms produce a smell after the first drops fall?
WeatherChemistry
Quick Answer
That earthy smell is called petrichor, and it happens when rain releases compounds from soil and plants into the air. Ozone can also contribute during some storms, especially when lightning is involved.
The Full Story
When dry ground is struck by rain, tiny aerosols can be kicked up from the soil, carrying compounds made by bacteria and plants. One important molecule is geosmin, which humans can detect at very low concentrations. In some thunderstorms, electrical activity can also create the sharp smell associated with ozone and nitrogen compounds. The effect is strongest after a dry spell, when the first rain stirs up accumulated particles.
Key Facts
1.Geosmin is one of the main chemicals linked to the smell of rain on dry earth
2.Humans can detect geosmin at extremely low concentrations
3.The term petrichor was coined in 1964 by researchers Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Thomas
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why does rain smell so fresh after a dry day?"