The Science Behind That Fresh Rain Smell

24/06/2020 11 min
The Science Behind That Fresh Rain Smell

Listen "The Science Behind That Fresh Rain Smell"

Episode Synopsis

Scientists have known for decades that one of the main causes of the smell of fresh rain is geosmin: a chemical compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria. But why do the bacteria make it in the first place? It was a bacteria-based mystery... until now! Maddie gets some answers from reporter Emily Vaughn, former Short Wave intern.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy