High-speed video footage has captured for the first time, what researchers say are hundreds of tiny aerosol particles being released from raindrops when they impact with soil.
The mechanical engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who observed the aerosol release in action, say it could account for the earthy smell that accompanies rain after a long dry spell.
Source: http://www.sciencealert.com/watch-raindrops-releasing-aerosols-during-slow-motion-impact