Rain Smell
The smell of rain is called petrichor (pronounced PET-rih-kor). It is the earthy, pleasant scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. Coined by scientists in 1964, the term comes from Greek roots—petra (stone) and ichor (the fluid in the veins of the gods).Key details about petrichor:Cause: It is created by the release of a compound called geosmin (produced by soil bacteria) and plant oils that are released into the air when it rains.Origin: The term was coined by CSIRO scientists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Grenfell Thomas in 1964.Sensory Experience: It is often described as earthy, musty, or metallic, often felt strongly after a warm, dry spell.Sensitivity: Humans are extremely sensitive to geosmin and can detect it at very low concentrations.