DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Ever heard of petrichor? It's the name given to the earthy aroma we smell during a rainstorm. The term was born in 1964 by two Australian researchers, Isabel Bear and R. G. Jennings, combining the Greek words "petra" (stone) and "ichor" (the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology).
Petrichor is primarily caused by a combination of organic compounds released by plants and soil-dwelling microbes. When rain falls on dry soil, it disturbs these compounds, releasing them into the air. One key contributor is geosmin, a compound produced by bacteria called actinomycetes, which gives the earth its characteristic aroma. Additionally, oils exuded by certain plants accumulate on surfaces and are released into the air during rain. So, next time you're caught in the rain, take a moment to enjoy Mother Nature's own perfume.Â
Stay safe, stay sweaty and stay weather-aware.Â
Copyright 2026. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.
