after the rain..

when the rain falls, i will open the window widely and let the breeze comes blowing, cooling up my room. filling it with the rain scents..then i will sit next to the window with my laptop or books. and a cup of milk....i dont know which is what i like, 1) sitting next to window during a rain with books/movie/drama and milk; or 2) the smell of rain.. i know it is not normal to like that smell but i really like it..i like it more than the smell of rain hits the hot tar and i dont like the smell when people cut the grass...that is gross


the smell makes me so melodic and feels so good. refreshing, calm, cooling, relaxing and all others...but i was wondering how the smell comes. and i googled it.. :D

1) It is actually caused by bacteria! Actinomycetes, a type of filamentous bacteria, grow in soil when conditions are damp and warm. When the soil dries out, the bacteria produces spores in the soil. The wetness and force of rainfall kick these tiny spores up into the air where the moisture after a rain acts as an aerosol (just like an aerosol air freshener). The moist air easily carries the spores to us so we breathe them in. These spores have a distinctive, earthy smell we often associate with rainfall. The bacteria is extremely common and can be found in areas all over the world, which accounts for the universality of this sweet "after-the-rain" smell. Since the bacteria thrives in moist soil but releases the spores once the soil dries out, the smell is most acute after a rain that follows a dry spell, although you'll notice it to some degree after most rainstorms.

2) secondly it is caused by the acidity of rain. Because of chemicals in the atmosphere, rainwater tends to be somewhat acidic, especially in urban environments. When it comes in contact with organic debris or chemicals on the ground, it can cause some particularly aromatic reactions. It breaks apart soil and releases minerals trapped inside, and it reacts with chemicals, such as gasoline, giving them a stronger smell. These reactions generally produce more unpleasant smells than bacteria spores, which is why the after-the-rain smell isn't always a good one. Like the smell caused by the bacteria spores, the smell of chemical reactions is most noticeable when it rains following a dry spell. This is because once the chemicals on the ground have been diluted by one downpour, they don't have the same reaction with the rainwater.

3)Another after-the-rain smell comes from volatile oils that plants and trees release. The oil then collects on surfaces such as rocks. The rain reacts with the oil on the rocks and carries it as a gas through the air. This scent is like the bacteria spores in that most people consider it a pleasant, fresh smell. It has even been bottled and sold for its aromatic qualities

credits: what causes the smell after rains?

credit: devianart

all i know i wanted to stand under the rain like i did when im a kid..back then i would not have care whether i got sick or whatever-so-ever. it soothe so much just to think about standing under the rain..but now that i turned adult, during rain like this, i just want to get a good soakin the hot tub with the music i love and book that i like..couldnt ask for more, could i?? ok, i admit i will be way better if there is the man i love cooking nice food for me ;P what'd you all think??

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”