The Earthy Smell of Rain Has a Name

That distinct, earthy scent after a dry spell of rain isn't just damp earth—it's a scientific phenomenon called Petrichor.

The unique smell of rain is a combination of two things:

• Petrichor: An oil secreted by certain plants during dry periods.
• Geosmin: A metabolic byproduct released by common soil bacteria, Actinomycetes, when disturbed by water droplets.

The impact of a raindrop creates tiny air bubbles which float upwards and burst, releasing these aromatic compounds into the air, allowing us to smell the fresh ‘rain scent.’