Thunderstorms smell primarily due to the creation of ozone (O3) during lightning strikes.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens:
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Ozone Formation: Lightning possesses immense energy. This energy can break apart the oxygen molecules (O2) that are abundant in the atmosphere. These separated oxygen atoms (O) are highly reactive.
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Recombination into Ozone: These single oxygen atoms then readily combine with other oxygen molecules (O2) to form ozone (O3).
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Ozone's Distinctive Smell: Ozone has a very distinctive, sharp, chlorine-like smell. This is the smell many people associate with thunderstorms, often described as fresh, clean, or metallic.
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Transport by Downdrafts: Thunderstorms have strong downdrafts (air moving downwards). These downdrafts bring the ozone formed at higher altitudes down to ground level, where we can smell it.
In summary, the electrical activity of lightning transforms atmospheric oxygen into ozone, which is then brought to the ground, creating the characteristic smell associated with thunderstorms.
