x
Breaking News
More () »

Video Explains Why Rain Smells So Good

You know that smell of fresh rainfall? Have you ever wondered why and how it smells so good?
images

You know that smell of fresh rainfall? Have you ever wondered why and how it smells so good?

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have figured it out.  The smell actually has a name, it’s called petrichor. The way the scent is released is really quite simple.

When it reaches the soil, a raindrop releases tiny aerosol bubbles. Imagine something similar to opening a champagne bottle.  Whatever is already inside that soil is what gets inside these small bubbles. When we go through a dry spell, oils from plants seep into the soil along with already soil-dwelling bacteria.  Those oils and bacteria mix, get into those air bubbles, and then the bubbles are released into the atmosphere.

When wind comes in contact with bubbles, it blows them all over, spreading that amazing smell.

This process is shown below in a amazing slow-mo video.

Before You Leave, Check This Out