Atmospheric Aromatherapy The Smell of Rain

Many people claim they can smell a storm coming (meaning they can sense when bad luck is headed their way), but did you know that this weather expression also has literal meaning? Its true, there are some kinds of weather that actually do produce a unique smell, and were not just talking the smell of flowers in spring.  Based on personal accounts, here are some of the weathers recurring aromas, plus, the scientific reason behind them.   When Rainstorms Wet Dry Earth Rainfall is one of natures most  soothing sounds, but its also behind one of the weathers most pleasing smells. Described as an  earthy scent, petrichor is  the aroma that arises when raindrops fall onto the dry soil. But, contrary to belief, it isnt the rainwater that youre smelling. During dry spells, certain plants secrete oils that become attached to the soil, rocks, and pavement surfaces. When it rains, the falling water disturbs these molecules and the oils are released into the air along with another soil inhabitant;  a naturally occurring chemical called  geosmin  thats  produced by fungi-like bacteria.   Had a recent rainstorm, but didnt have the  lingering petrichor afterward? How strong the scent will depend on several things, including how long its been since the last rainfall and  rainfall  intensity. The longer the geosmin and plant oils are allowed to accumulate during periods of dry weather, the stronger the scent will be. Also, the lighter the rain shower, the stronger the petrichor scent, since lighter rains allow more time for the grounds scent-carrying aerosols to float. (Heavier rains keep them from rising up as much into the air, which means less smell.)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chlorinated Clashes of Lightning If youve ever experienced a lightning strike thats too-close-for-comfort or stood outdoors just before or after a thunderstorm, you may have caught a whiff of another rain-related scent;  ozone (O3). The word ozone comes from the Greek  ozein  meaning to smell, and is a nod to ozones  strong odor, which is described as a cross between chlorine and burning chemicals. The smell doesnt come from the thunderstorm itself, but rather, the storms lightning. As a bolt of lightning travels through the atmosphere, its electrical charge splits airs nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) molecules apart into separate atoms. Some of the lone nitrogen and oxygen atoms recombine to form nitrous oxide (N2O), while the leftover oxygen atom combines with an oxygen molecule in the surrounding air to produce  ozone. Once created, a storms downdrafts can carry the ozone from higher altitudes to nose level, which is why youll sometimes experience this smell before it starts storming or after the storm has passed.  Ã‚   Unscented Snow Despite some peoples claims that they can smell snow, scientists arent entirely convinced. According to olfactory scientists like Pamela Dalton of Philadelphias Monell Chemical Senses Center, the smell of cold and snow isnt so much about a particular smell, its more about the absence of smells, as well as the noses ability to sense that air is cold and moist enough for the weather to possibly turn snowy. Were not as sensitive to odors in winter... and odors arent as available to be smelled, Dalton says. Not only do smells not waft as easily when air is cold, but our noses dont work as well. The smelling receptors within our noses bury themselves more deeply within our nose, likely as a protective response against the colder, drier air. However, when cold air becomes more humid (as it does before a snowstorm), the sense of smell would sharpen ever so slightly. Its possible that we humans link this small change in smell  to an oncoming snowstorm and hence, why we say we can smell snow. Crisp, Clean Autumn Air Like winter, autumns crisp, clean smell is partially thanks to the drop in air temperature which suppresses strong odors. But another contributor is  autumns hallmark symbol; its foliage. Although leaf peepers are disappointed  when falls brilliant crimsons and golds fade to grayish-brown, this is when leaves take on their sweetest smell. During the autumn season, a  trees cells begin the process of sealing off its leaves in preparation for winter. (During winter, temperatures are too cold, sunlight too dim, and water too scarce and susceptible to freezing to support growth.) A corky barrier is formed between each branch and each leaf stem. This cellular membrane blocks the flow of nutrients into the leaf.  As leaves are sealed off from the rest of the tree and lose moisture and nutrients they begin  drying out and are further dried by autumns sun and lower humidity. When they fall to the ground, they begin to decay; that is, theyre broken down into essential nutrients. Also, when leaves are brown it means theyre carbon-rich. The dry, decomposition process gives off a mildly sweet, almost floral-like aroma.   Wondering why the leaves in your yard dont smell as sweet in other seasons? Its largely because theyre full of moisture and are  nitrogen-rich. An abundance of moisture, nitrogen, and improper aeration generates pungent, rather than sweet, odors.   Tornadoes Terrible Sulphur Scent Most of us are familiar with the sound a tornado makes, but what about its accompanying smell? According to a number of storm chasers, including the late Tim Samaras, the air sometimes smells of a mix of sulfur and burning wood (like a freshly lit  match) during a tornado. Researchers havent determined why this is a recurring smell with observers. It could be from broken natural gas or sewage lines, but no one knows for sure.  Ã‚   In addition to sulfur, others report  the smell of fresh-cut grass during a tornado, likely as a result of tornado debris tearing tree limbs and leaves, and of the storm itself uprooting trees and turf. Which smell you get depends on how close you are to the tornado, how strong of a twister it is, and what objects  it destroys.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Eau de Exhaust   Temperature inversions are another weather phenomenon linked to atmospheric odors,  but rather than trigger a certain smell, they exacerbate odors that are already airborne. Under normal circumstances, air temperature decreases as you move from the ground up.  However, under an inversion, this is reversed and air near the ground cools faster than that a few hundred feet above it.  This setup of relatively warm air overlying cooler air means the atmosphere is in a stable configuration, which, in turn, means there are little wind and mixing of air. As the air sits motionless and stagnant, exhaust, smoke, and other pollutants build up near the surface and hang in the air we breathe. If youve ever been under an  air quality alert in summer, an inversion (and the presence of high pressure domed over the region) is likely the cause.   Similarly, fog can sometimes hold a light smoky smell. If gasses or dirt particles are suspended in the air and weather conditions are right for moisture to condense onto them, these pollutants essentially dissolve into the water droplets and are suspended in the air for your nose to breathe them in. (Such an event is different from smog, which is a dry cloud of smoke that hangs in the air like a thick fog.)   Your Nose vs. Your Forecast   While being able to smell the weather may mean your  olfactory system is as acute as they come, take care not to depend solely on your sense of smell when sensing your weather risk. When it comes to forecasting approaching weather, meteorologists are still a nose above the rest.

The Poor Labyrinth The Theme of Social Injustice in...

Victorian England was notorious for, along with top hats, its outdated â€Å"justice† system. Fraught with corruption, expired methods, and disorganization, the Victorian judiciary system was a severe flaw in the royal kingdom that was partially fed by the crime-fearing public and indifferent servants of the law. Growing up in an oppressive environment reminiscent of Victorian England’s own corrupt justice system, Pip’s journey from childhood to adulthood illustrates a gradual realization of the willful blindness of his fellow man to the injustice served to the convicted criminal, and indicates the cyclical nature of how poverty and fear feed the public consensus on crime. As explored by John H. Hagan Jr.’s article entitled â€Å"The Poor Labyrinth: The Theme of Social Injustice in Dickenss â€Å"Great Expectations†, in which Pip’s own life, as well as the lives of those around him illustrate how socioeconomic differences played a significan t role in how individuals perceived the law and one another. Harshly administered punishment and conformity to order was emphasized from an early age, as indicated in Pip’s conflicted conscience in his choice for the lesser of two evils; robbing and lying to his sister, or risking potential bodily harm from an escaped convict. The dilemma renders Pip distressed, as if he â€Å" had to make up [his] mind to leap from the top of a high house, or plunge into a great depth of water† (16). His perpetual guilt is attributed to his sister’s deontologicalShow MoreRelatedA Social Morality Of The Victorian Age1355 Words   |  6 PagesStephen Mendonca English 2323 2 August 2015 A Social Morality The Victorian age ranged from 1830 to 1901, during this time England reached its highest point as a world imperial power. Industrialization and the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 to 1901) played a major role in England’s success. The overwhelming industrialization caused a population boom that changed England’s population from two million to six million people. The abundance of people created new social problems that the leading writers and thinkers

Post 21st Century Autobiography Ugly Essay Example For Students

Post 21st Century Autobiography Ugly Essay And she had to go to the doctor because her nipples looked exactly like symptoms of breast cancer. This was because Carmen used to pull by them and pinch and twist them. And as well as all these troubles she suffered from normal teenage pressure. She was embarrassed immensely by her mother as she told her friends Constance still wet the bed. She also suffered from verbal abuse as her mother called her clear because she could see right through her. But Carmen replied to this by saying that she only called her clear because he had clear skin and it wasnt a term of abuse. She stated that she was also called ugly When she asked her other to by her school picture. This book, I believe unique as all the emotion and pain described in the book isnt fiction, its the truth. Or is it? The million dollar question is: whose crying out the truth and whos spitting out lies forged as reality.. Is Carmen really innocent and has been savagely accused? Or has Constances really suffered in silence in her traumatizing past. As I zoomed closer into the speech made in the interviews and seized seemingly exaggerated facts I really didnt know who to believe. Oddly enough nearly all of Carmens sons and daughters declared that none of this happened and Constance is just lying. But they may not know what happened as Constance suffered in silence. And they may have not noticed the abuse that she was suffering as Carmen made up convincing excuses to steer her children away from suspecting anything as her excuse for Constance with bumps was she fell. Its nothing which is believable. Here are some quotations and reasons too justify against Carmen, who I believe may be lying: I will never speak to you again as long as I live The picture in which her and her mother attended at her sisters anniversary could prove that they werent talking to each other as neither of them were smiling yet they were ready for the photo. I did not smack them and did not want anyone else to hurt them. Most Jamaicans believe in strict discipline like in the schools where they get harsh beatings. So this is highly unbelievable as they were immigrants. My hair stated falling out Signs of stress begging to show. Wetting the bed should have stopped around the age of eleven, but it didnt because of the stress and anxiety her mother put her in. And if she did make it all up then how does she remember all the little horrific details which she has to have suffered to have remembered this much. Even I, when I write a short story cannot remember all the details so how can she remember without having experienced it. And why would she make up such cruel lies? She lives in a one million home with a great occupation so she doesnt need the money. And even if she did why would she use her mother as a bait when she could use hundreds of other people who have died or someone made up with different excuse? Carmen, in her interview with the Daily mail said that Eastmans solicitor said that was no reports of this prosecution but they could have been lost. And there was no statement in which the abuse was reported but could just be because back then social workers werent as careful on children as they are now. And although the fact that there is no evidence to support Constances claims there is no evidence that she I still believe that she was abused and so does her older sister pasty as she agrees with her. .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be , .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .postImageUrl , .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be , .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:hover , .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:visited , .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:active { border:0!important; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:active , .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8ec774f9e83e517b9408ddfca75507be:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: With Its Long Slender Body The Snakes Probably The Funniest Shaped C EssaySo I conclude with saying that dont judge a book by its cover. Carmen may have been shy and peering short sightedly but who said no one cant act. It seems so reckless that a daughter would do such thing to her mother if it wasnt true. And I also empathise on Constance as if I hurt my foot by hitting it on the door I get so angry and it stings for a long time, so I cant imagine how Constance must have felt. The true story of a child who suffered in silence by Constance Briscoe.

Singers and Vocal Damage Essay Example

Singers and Vocal Damage Essay Vocal damage limiting singing ranges occurs only from one source; singing outside appropriate registers. The misconception singers have a â€Å"God given gift† and never took lessons is hugely to blame. Singing Bel-canto, requiring advanced training with the head voice, and belting, a very advanced technique uses the chest voice to sing high notes requires years of quality training and consistent vocal exercises to strengthen muscles used producing pleasing vocal sounds. Many self taught singers are capable of improving their own singing abilities and range capacities. Unless singers collect information on vocal conditions along with their singing research, developing problems in vocal chords can go undetected until serious vocal damage occurs. Professional   singing instructors are trained to listen for potential vocal problems. Beginning singers who sing every pitch accurately with the radio are usually disappointed to discover they can safely sing from a very limited regi ster. All vocal injuries must be corrected before expanding use of voice registers. There are many ways to prevent vocal damage. Two of the most commonly known ways are vocal warm ups and careful monitoring of any voice misalignments while singing or speaking.Vocal RegistersRegisters are defined as the area of sound, which may be applied to musical instruments, audio recording technology or vocals. When referring to singing, there are a total of three registers; middle, chest and head. Skilled singers effortlessly and unnoticeable blends all three registers. Effortlessly blending all three registers are indications of a well taken care of voice, using sufficient warm ups with every singing session; not how many years experience the singer has. With information readily available today, there is no good excuse for skipping vocal warm ups before attempting full out singing, including singing in the shower no one else is going to hear. Adequate warm ups increase the vocal registers capa city. 1. Warm ups consist of singing the vowels, before the entire words, even for just 10 or 15 minuets. Advanced singers warm up routines before each singing session usually last about 30 minuets. The warm ups continue through out the singing sessions. Even though children need warm ups, until they are about 12 years of age, they do not have the capacity to   sing outside the middle notes range. Many children’s songs can easily strain children’s vocal chords. Children can only match about two or three pitches, above the middle C. 2. The lead role of Annie, may make the child a star, and parents really proud. But the song â€Å"Tomorrow† is the last thing children of this age this role calls for should be singing, unless the sheet music is modified.   Because of age, the physiology of their sound producing organs, is to small and weak to draw sounds from their deeper registers, chest voice. Singing alphabetical two letter syllables warm up and strengthen ch ildren’s voices. Beginning singing adults can damage their vocal chords, as well as children, if they fail to consistently practice and use their existing range before going on to more advanced singing stages. Repeated careless abuse of voice can permanently restrict   availability of vocal registers singing capacity. Taking necessary precautions allow full development of vocal registers, at least greatly reduce chances of vocal injury.The most significant exercise singers can do to protect and enhance their voice is deep breathing sessions. Neither Bel Canto or belting stages can be achieved without strongest possible air capacity in the lungs.1. To prevent vocal damage, singing sessions are started with deep breathing, and the deep breathing automatically becomes part of the singing session. The breath must be sustained to hold out for at least one or two bars. 2. Not every child who sung the song Tomorrow ended up with vocal problems. The risk of injury is increased when singing the original version of the song.â€Å"When chest voice is used in a healthy way, with proper airflow and sensations of resonance in the head, it can add strength and vitality to the speaking and singing voice† (Ware, 2004). Adequate airflow through the passages is necessary to sustain the demands of making effortless transitions while interchanging vocal registers, in Bel Canto or sustaining the (1) . constant hitting together of the vocal chords during belting.Head VoiceVocal registers consists of high (head) and low (chest) ranges. (2).   The head voice sings high, fast notes; the melody. Singer’s level or singing strengths are measured by the head voice’s effortless shift in and out of vocal registers. In less experienced singers, contrast, changes, voice shifts, breaks, voice tone and quality, and lack of volume occur if there is difficulty changing registers. To prevent vocal damage, all noticeable shifts, breaks, audible contrast must be analyz ed before singing more pitch ranges. If the singers breathing is audible, contrasting with song being sung, the voice is demanding tension from inappropriate registers. Usually, contrasting breathing breaks indicates the singer’s lung or aerobic capacity is not strong enough for the song he or she is singing. â€Å"Having to take breathing breaks in the middle of conversations or when stressed, singing is affected when singing above middle C, voice is unsteady due to spasm in voice box† (Chitkara, 2006). Sheet music is marked indicating when singers can breathe. (3). Singers cannot breathe when they want to, or with each word. The song to be sung in conjunction with the music, the singer must be able to extend his or her vowel sounds through crescending or   descending stages, while sustaining the notes.1. Because belting pulls the voice out of the low register to sing the high notes, the vocal chords forcibly hit together, then immediately bounce away from one anoth er. Belting   puts demands on the vocal chords, but there is no tension or stress on the vocal chords when accurately sung. 2. To visualize the high voice, think of the left hand playing the high notes on the keyboard. 3. Music does not flow if the singer has to stop and breathe in the middle of the song.The microphone picks up on the out of place breathing, magnifies the sound, and sends it out to the audience. When Britney Spears first started singing, many people complained about her lack of singing talent. The advanced recording technology magnified her nasal singing. With regular breathing exercises, lungs accumulate strength and physical ability to sing greater range of pitches, which implements more use of registers to draw out vocal sounds. Usually the head voice is used to control breathing and pitch control.   When the lungs are fit enough to control pitches, even flow of registers are possible. The singer is getting closer to being capable of singing the Bel Canto lev el.