GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's a smell almost as pleasant and calming as that of a field of roses. That savory scent of rain could be just a sixth sense...or a real scientific phenomenon.
VERIFY QUESTION
Can you smell rain before it comes?
VERIFY SOURCE
- Meteorologist Terran Kirksey
VERIFY PROCESS
Kirksey said it's true -- we can, indeed, smell rain. And, that scent has a name -- Petrichor.
"Basically, the smell is from dirt particles that are flung into the air when a raindrop hits the ground," he explained.
The dirt contains oils from plants and an organic compound geosmin. These compounds give off the classic "rain" smell. Usually, it is more apparent in light rain.
If the "scent" of rain is strong, but it's not yet raining, rain is likely nearby.
VERIFY CONCLUSION
Yes, rain carries a distinct scent known as Petrichor.
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