Why rain gives off that fresh, earthy smell

Before it hits the ground, rain is just water. It has no smell. But after the drops hit the ground and interact with dirt, the fresh and almost sweet fragrance of rain is let off. Now, scientists think they’ve identified the exact mechanism that releases this aroma into the environment.

The smell actually has a name. It’s called “petrichor,” from the Greek words “petra,” meaning “stone,” and “ichor,” which refers to the fluid that flows like blood in the veins of the gods. According to live

science.com when a raindrop hits a porous surface it traps tiny pockets of air. These bubbles then speed upward, like bubbles in a glass of champagne, before breaking the drop’s surface and releasing microscopic particles, called aerosols, into the air. The researchers think these aerosols carry the rain like aroma.

Researchers say that this most often happens during light and moderate rain. However, aerosols might not only spread noticeable aromatic elements, but also certain contaminants, such as soil-based viruses and bacteria.