Why Do the Woods Smell after Rain?

The rain had stopped. Little drops shone on the leaves. Puschel stood on the firm woodland path and lifted his nose. Something smelled different from before the shower.

Puschel“Flauschi, did someone wash the woods? They smell like a story with wet feet.”

Flauschi laughed and kept the green magnifying glass lowered. For this discovery they needed their noses first. They breathed the air normally. Neither held leaves, mushrooms or soil close to their face.

Flauschi“Rain itself is not simply woodland perfume. Plants and soil contain things that have a smell. Rain can help those scent-making things reach the air.”

Flauschi explained that tiny air bubbles can form when raindrops land on some soils. The bubbles can burst and send little droplets carrying scents into the air. This is especially noticeable after dry weather.

Puschel“Then the soil sends scent letters. But the stamps are too small for my eyes.”

Flauschi“Tiny living things called bacteria live in soil too. Some make things that smell earthy. Together with scents from plants, these can make the familiar smell after rain. It is called petrichor.”

Puschel slowly repeated the new word. Flauschi explained that not every wood or shower smells the same. The plants growing there and how dry the soil was both make a difference.

Puschel“Pet-ri-chor. It sounds like a tiny choir that you hear with your nose.”

Flauschi giggled. Of course, no real choir was singing here. Puschel left the soil untouched and listened to a drop falling from a twig. Then they walked on. Some woodland mysteries did not need to be seen to be discovered.