2007-09-21 14:44:21 · 4 answers · asked by Allyn F 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Actually the smell is called petrichor and is caused by a yellow organic oil exuded by certain plants during dry periods. During rain, the oil is released into the air along with another compound, geosmin, producing the distinctive scent. Research has shown that the oil retards seed germination and early plant growth.
2007-09-21 15:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by DaveNCUSA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The peculiar smell immediately after a rain is due to certain volatile chemical compounds released by a group of soil-inhabiting bacteria called streptomycetes.
These bacteria is abundant in dry warm soil.When this dry soil is wetted by rain,the above bacteria releases compounds such as geosmin and 2 methyl isoborneol which give the musty odour.The smell can be felt in a newly ploughed fields also.
2007-09-22 08:20:24 · answer #2 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is the ionization of the air from the storms and the increased humidity. Often the rising wind before rain will raise dust and that can be smelled.
2007-09-21 23:29:16 · answer #3 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The smell of water
2007-09-21 21:50:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋