Earth smells so good after a rain: here’s why!

We are soon approaching the rains and I am sure most of you can’t wait to sniff the beautiful aroma of earth right before it rains. Most of you might know this. But, if you don’t that characteristic aroma is called Petrichore, a word as beautiful as it smells. But, what exactly are you smelling? Most might think it is wet soil.. but, you are close.. there is an interesting science behind the smell of rain too. Read till the end to find out more.

Three main components that make up our nature’s perfume

Petrichore has three components- Geosmin (a chemical compound), ozone, and aromatic plant oils. Let us look at it in detail:

• Geosmin- this chemical compound is synthesized by a group of bacteria called the Actinomycetes (our underground chemists). They remain hidden beneath the soil. We cannot smell the geosmin until the first raindrops set it free.
  

A wild fact about geosmin- our nose is highly sensitive to geosmin. We can detect them at a concentration of 5 ppm. That is equivalent to a drop of liquid in an Olympic-sized swimming pool!

• Ozone- yes, the very same ozone you are thinking about! Lightning splits oxygen molecules into single Oxygen atoms which combine with another molecule of oxygen to form ozone. This strong and fresh aroma contributes to the earthy smell after rain.
  
• Aromatic plant oils- these oils are released from certain plants and when it rains we can feel their pleasant smell.
  

The three components combine into a natural cocktail to give Petrichore, nature’s perfume.

So, the next time it rains, you know the science behind the pleasant fragrance of the earth.

Hope you enjoyed reading the article as much as you enjoyed the rain.

Happy reading!