Why does the Desert smell like rain, when it rains? New research article may have answered that question

[Silas_Sancona]

Great, new article released by researchers at the UofA ( University of Arizona, Tucson ) discussing in - depth research of that weird, ..and welcomed " smell " anyone in the desert instantly recognizes when it rains, especially during the summer months.  Seems there may be numerous health benefits for Humans, other critters, ..and the plants themselves  as well.. Pretty cool.  Nice to have a front row seat to the research, and benefits.

https://uapress.arizona.edu/2022/04/why-does-the-desert-smell-like-rain-new-ua-research-suggests-the-diverse-osmocosm-of-the-sonoran-desert

Edited April 14, 2022 by Silas_Sancona
edit

[Darold Petty]

I love that fragrance, even though I have only experienced it a few times,  Thanks for posting !   

[Butch]

i love it too...

Butch

[Xerarch]

I always thought the scent was due to creosote bush, from the article it sounds like it is, but it's also more complicated than just that.  At any rate, desert after the rain smell is very nice.

[Silas_Sancona]

1 hour ago, Xerarch said:

I always thought the scent was due to creosote bush, from the article it sounds like it is, but it's also more complicated than just that.  At any rate, desert after the rain smell is very nice.

Agreed, since that is the most easily identified " desert " scent when it rains. Was a little surprised to read Petrichor isn't as common of a " scent contributor " here.. May have to do with so much of the desert, locally at least, being repeatedly disturbed, which in turn kills a lot of the mirco and  crypto flora in the soil.   Is amazing how many other things here can also scent the air as well though.. Desert Lavender, Brittlebush, a plant called " Odora " < Scent is actually a bit nauseating ..like thick, minty cough syrup  >  and some other Shrubs / Perennials.

Further south, Foliage of certain sp. of Bursera can waft a fairly strong scent of Licorice for miles when it is hot and humid, same w/ Guaiacum coulteri  when they flower.

If you've ever sat among Cottonwood, Willow, and/ or  Sycamore, they too will add an interesting scent to the air.. 

If the study expands to / ..or a similar study were conducted in say California, Very curious if they'd find similar results.  Can can't how many times i'd be out somewhere, esp. on a hot / hot and humid summer day and could smell all the Sage, Sagebrush, Yerba Santa, ..and other aromatic plants that make up Chaparral- type vegetation from a distance.  Whenever we'd have a summer storm, scent was even more noticeable, like it is here.  Detectable in the winter, but ..to my nose at least, Sagebrush ( Atremisia ) and Chamise were the biggest " stinkers " when hiking somewhere.