The morning after the first rain of spring, I stood on my deck with eyes closed, head back and inhaled. I have always looked forward to the smell of spring. There is much more going on in nature than I realized when appreciating this glorious scent. But how does it happen? What's going on?

Several things have to happen in order to create this familiar smell of spring. First of all it starts with dry weather. The decaying leaves from last fall combine with minerals in the soil and then it becomes a waiting game.During these dry spells, some plants release oils to inhibit growth and these oils are absorbed into the surrounding soil and rocks. The oil is released into the air when those gentle spring rains begin.Scientists have used high-speed cameras to record how the scent moves into the air when a gentle rain wets the soil surface and causes the scent to become airborne. A more gentle rain means more scent is released into the air.A downpour will result in knocking down this odor, preventing it from becoming airborne.Bacteria, in the soil, play a part, too. As a result of the dry period, the bacteria stop growing and start creating spores so that they can reproduce once again after a rain. And, as these bacteria die, they create something called geosmin. If you've ever eaten a beet, the earthy flavor you taste is geosmin. Ewww, I am tasting dirt? Wait, I like beets … mmm, geosmin.What I enjoyed finding out most from all this research is this … geosmin is a Greek word for "earth odor."That's it! Earth's odor is what I am breathing in and it is wonderful.So it's these factors - decaying leaves, oils from plants, bacteria and geosmin - that mix together to create petrichor.Petrichor is the name given to the earthy scent that fills the air when the first rain showers of spring dampen the soil. If the word is broken down into two parts petra, meaning "stone" and ichor meaning the fluid that flows in the veins of the gods in Greek mythology. Wow. That conjures all sorts of images of magical and mystical things. I suppose we could compare petrichor to "nature's air freshener."And all this happening right beneath our feet is rather magical in a way.Some scientists believe that humans appreciate the scent of spring rains because ancestors may have relied on rainy weather for survival.I just enjoy standing on my deck and inhaling this earth scent for the pure joy of it.Although the next time someone asks me about the smell of spring I might just say, "It's all Greek to me!"So, I think everyone should go outside and breathe deeply. Ahhhhhhhh, spring!The Carbon County Environmental Center is located at 151 E. White Bear Drive, Summit Hill. Call 570-645-8597.