It's actually caused by dried out soil bacteria becoming wet again and releasing minute amounts of a chemical that we are extremely sensitive to, as it signifies growth and bounty in the landscape.

I do love that smell

Fun fact: That smell is almost entirely different among various geographical biomes, depending on soil type and fauna. Deciduous regions smell more earthy and mellow than coniferous ones; but the latter have a unique clean air quality and piney scent. The South has a much different smell than the Pacific NW or Northeast.

The areas in and surrounding the Sonoran/Mojave deserts are radically different thanks mostly in part to the creosote bush. During the wet seasons, the Southwest has a chemically "clean" smell that is strangely intoxicating and makes me feel like I'm having a stroke. I simultaneously love and hate it.

People that spend their lives living with the same few hundred square miles will never experience these differences.

I always wondered, thought it was dust-ish-stuff. Thanks.

Blood of the gods. Thank you for sharing. Great to know.