Raindrops kick up soil chemicals

Researchers suss out possible explanation for rain-driven aroma

raindrops

BUBBLING UP  Soon after a water droplet hits the ground, tiny air bubbles form. The bubbles ascend through the squashed drop and pop, releasing jets of water and chemicals (yellow arrows) into the air.

Courtesy of Youngsoo Joung

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A raindrop doesn’t just go splat when it hits the ground.