what is that smell?

[lavarat]

Even though the surface vegetation has been burned or killed, many downed trees are partially or fully buried and continue to burn for a long time because the oxygen supply is restricted. Also, as the ground is heated by the overlying lava, the deep root systems and all the organic matter in the soil continue to burn for a long time. Coupled with rain water which seeps down and then evaporates from the heat, the water vapor will bring up the odors as it percolates to the surface and is carried by the wind. I would describe this odor as mildewy or moldy when hiking along burned areas. Some examples:

http://volcanochaser.smugmug.com/Nature/...=192262012&k=vLT96jw&lb=1&s=A

http://volcanochaser.smugmug.com/Nature/...=242014290&k=xt93fwD&lb=1&s=A

http://volcanochaser.smugmug.com/Nature/...=572302045&k=jQdVPnR&lb=1&s=A