Scientists believe that some people are able to smell when rain is coming.
The unmistakable fragrance that fills the air after rain is a phenomenon many are acquainted with – especially in the UK.
This post-rain aroma, often intensified following a spell of sunshine and referred to as ‘petrichor’, has its origins rooted in science.
Even though some debate surrounds its perceptibility before rain actually falls.
Remarkably, some individuals assert they can sense the impending rain by smelling the atmospheric changes.
While skepticism prevails, science might hold the key to this pre-rain olfactory perception.
Petrichor, a term derived from Greek words ‘petros’ meaning stone and ‘ichor’ denoting the blood of Greek gods, was coined in 1964 by mineralogists Isabel Joy Bear and Richard Thomas.
It describes the captivating scent following a downpour and stems from soil bacteria releasing a chemical compound named ‘geosmin’.
Our olfactory ability to detect geosmin is impressive, surpassing even sharks’ famed capability to sense blood.
This earthy aroma, alluring to many, serves a purpose beyond its appeal.
The soil bacteria generate geosmin to entice organisms into the earth, thus facilitating the bacteria’s dispersion.
The intensity of this scent post-rain owes itself to the interaction of raindrops with the ground.
Raindrops can encapsulate pockets of air upon impact, forming tiny aerosols that elevate chemicals and microorganisms into the atmosphere.
However, there’s another scent at play, documented by IFLScience, which could influence our sensory experiences – ozone.
