The “rain smell” is caused by a chemical in the bacteria called geosin. This is released by the bacteria as they die. 

When rain falls on the ground, certain chemicals are released, which gives off the odor we know as petrichor. It appears as though the planet is thanking everyone for enduring terrible thunderstorms and unexpected downpours without an umbrella.

Raindrops catch air bubbles containing geosmin when they contact the earth. The bubbles travel inside the raindrop and emerge as aerosols, which are even smaller particles distributed throughout the atmosphere. Human noses are particularly sensitive to geosmin. Once it is in the air and up off the ground, we can smell it clearly. Even at concentrations as low as five parts per trillion, some people can still smell it.

A mixture of plant oils is another component that contributes to petrichor. In times of dryness, several plants produce oils. The oils that had been building up are released into the air similarly to how geosmin is when it finally starts to rain.

You may credit ozone if the aroma is particularly potent—and curiously clean—after a thunderstorm. One of the substances required to produce ozone is nitric oxide, which can be formed when oxygen and nitrogen are broken apart by a lightning strike. The smell of the molecule, which resembles chlorine, is well known.

Also Read – Interesting Rainbow Facts That You Never Knew

What is it called when you like the smell of rain?

When the world seems to sigh with pleasure after a rain shower, we may automatically breathe in a little deeper and savour the smells in return. This smell is known as petrichor.

Why do I feel so much better when it rains?

Negative ions, which are negatively charged particles produced by lightning and friction between the rain and the air, are increased in the air as a result of rain. The neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems can all be considerably improved by these ions, which can make people feel more at ease and calm.