The recent April showers have reminded us of the wonderful scent that comes in the immediate aftermath of rain. Known as petrichor, this unique smell is a chemical stew produced when rain interacts with certain compounds. Australian scientists coined the term petrichor in 1964 to describe this delightful scent.
Petrichor is not a substance on its own but rather a combination of chemical compounds within the rain or released by the rain as it falls. Some of these compounds, like ozone, are normally found in the atmosphere and can be absorbed by raindrops as they fall. Lightning during a rain event can create more ozone, which adds to the petrichor scent.
Another component of petrichor is geosmin, a chemical produced in the soil by bacteria known as Actinomycetes. These bacteria release geosmin into the air as rain falls, contributing to the overall scent. Plants also play a role in the creation of petrichor, as they produce compounds that are released from the soil when it rains. The rain also clears the air of dust particles and aerosols, further enhancing the smell of petrichor.
So next time it rains, embrace
