New study explains after-rain smell

Scientists may have finally figured out the earthy smell you get after it rains.

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology discovered whenever a drop of rain hits a porous surface like soil, tiny air bubbles get trapped at the point of contact.

These bubbles then rise and burst, releasing aerosols that carry the smell.

This all happens very quickly, in just a matter of microseconds.

Researchers also found that light or moderate rain released more aerosols than heavy rain.

VIDEO: Click here to watch the YouTube video from MIT