why there is a peculiar smell when it rains?

Answer 1

As it turns out, the smells people associate with rainstorms can be caused by a number of things. One of the more pleasant rain smells, the one we often notice in the woods, is actually caused by bacteria! Actinomycetes, a type of filamentous bacteria, grow in soil when conditions are damp and warm.

Another sort of smell is caused by the acidity of rain. Because of chemicals in the atmosphere, rainwater tends to be somewhat acidic, especially in urban environments. When it comes in contact with organic debris or chemicals on the ground, it can cause some particularly aromatic reactions.

Another after-the-rain smell comes from volatile oils that plants and trees release. The oil then collects on surfaces such as rocks. The rain reacts with the oil on the rocks and carries it as a gas through the air.

Answer 2

The electrical discharge from the rainstorm creates Ozone or O3 and that is what most people smell and associate with the rain. However, it also cleans the air of dust and odors leaving a freshness that didn't exist before the rain.

Answer 3

I only smell the rain when it hit the ground, the dust smell,ever wonder why on the freeway almost allway a car accident when it first start to rain? read in a tire magazine right after the first rain the oil get lifted out of the crack and bottom to coat the surface slippy, w.t.surprise....

Answer 4

Haven't you ever smelled a wet dog or animal or human? Things smell different when they are wet. Like dirt, streets, trees, air, car exhaust and other pollution. don't let people tell you it is fresh air. How can you clean just air. The rain has to wash something does it not. It runs somewhere.

Answer 5

I agree with Hardrock. It's like the rain brings all the pollutants and airborne dirt down to the ground and the smell hits us. When someone says "it smells like rain" they need to really say "it smells like dirt". Huh?

Answer 6

The air is cleaned by rain, and ozone, O3, an type of oxygen with a sharp smell.

Answer 7

I don't know, but in Oklahoma and Arkansas USA it smells wonderful when it rains. I hope it smells as nice where you are from.

Answer 8

That is actually the smell of dirt. When it rains, it displaces the soild and thus there is a smell.

Answer 9

The environment is moistened, evaporation begins, and scents are carried into the surrounding air.

Answer 10

most of the time is called fresh clean air