Anza-Borrego Desert Smells

Debbie V · Jul 21, 2017

Hi Folks,

I'm working on a novel set partially in the desert. It takes place from October through December. I've found plenty of stuff on wildlife and I can get the weather, but very little talks about smells. I know areas further north smell out-gassing from the Salton Sea in October, but I don't know if the rest of the region would smell that. And there's nothing for the later fall months.

I wouldn't mind details on seasonal animal habits as well, but I'm not sure how much that will come into play.

Thank you for any help.

-Debbie

blacbird · Jul 21, 2017

"Sweet smell of colitas,
Rising up in the air."

-- "Hotel California", the Eagles.

caw

neandermagnon · Jul 21, 2017

I lived in Saudi Arabia for several years, i.e. Arabian desert. It smells of sand. It's really hard to explain the smell or compare it to anything else. The lack of humidity means there's less smell generally (moisture in the air carries smells) so you don't particularly notice much in terms of smell. However, if there's been a recent sandstorm it all smells of sand. Plus you can tell when a sandstorm is imminent because it smells of sand. And everything gets covered in sand. If things break down, it's because of sand. Water pump not working? It's full of sand. Printer breaks down? It's full of sand. Car not working? Sand in the engine.

shizu · Jul 21, 2017

I'm not sure about their distribution, or when any scent would be at its strongest, but maybe distinctive scents like mesquite, California junipers or creosote bushes might work.

Filigree · Jul 22, 2017

Creosote and grass. When storms start, you'll get petrichor.

Siri Kirpal · Jul 22, 2017

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Not sure if I've been in Borrego, but nearly all US SW deserts smell of sagebrush. Check to see if they have pinon (should have a tilde on the first n) pines; those have a distinctive piney smell. Likewise junipers. If the winds are blowing, then yes, there'll be sand in your nose.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Debbie V · Jul 22, 2017

Thanks folks.

I'd love stuff that's season specific if anyone has more seasonal experience. I've been to LA and San Diego, but couldn't make it inland (mid-July might not have helped much anyway). Humidity in October is around 45% but I'm guessing evenings and 7-8 AM would have some odors.

I have desert ironwood and mesquite in my notes as well as agave (if I'm reading my handwriting correctly). I'll do more research on these and other plants mentioned.

I really want the details right here. Thanks for any more suggestions.

Twick · Jul 25, 2017

I've walked in the Nevada desert, and not noticed any particularly strong odours.

blacbird · Jul 25, 2017

Here's a website you might find useful:

http://www.abdnha.org/03flower_main.html

caw

Debbie V · Jul 25, 2017

Thanks, Blacbird. Did you see anything on the site that actually discussed fragrance in fall or winter? If it's there, I've missed it. Perhaps I'll find something as I look up individual species. I hope to start that research tomorrow.

Siri Kirpal · Jul 26, 2017

Sat Nam! (Literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

The only additional thing I can think of is that botanical smells seem to be strongest in the early morning and at dusk.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Debbie V · Jul 26, 2017

Thanks, Siri. That's why I'm thinking there might be smells at those hours. No luck on my search today though. I know these plants aren't flowering at this time of year, but not whether you can smell them then. I'll find other avenues if nothing shows up here.

Siri Kirpal · Jul 27, 2017

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

The piney smells of pinons and junipers comes from the resins, not flowers. Not sure about sagebrush.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

blacbird · Jul 27, 2017

Siri Kirpal said:
The piney smells of pinons and junipers comes from the resins, not flowers. Not sure about sagebrush.

This. Pinons and junipers don't have flowers. And the sage aroma is from the foliage mainly. But these are all very distinct aromas, and not limited to a season, though they might be more intense after a rain.

caw

Debbie V · Jul 27, 2017

Thanks, again.

Anza-Borrego Desert Smells

Debbie V

Mentoring Myself and Others

blacbird

neandermagnon

Nolite timere, consilium callidum habeo!

shizu

Filigree

Mildly Disturbing

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

Debbie V

Mentoring Myself and Others

Twick

blacbird

Debbie V

Mentoring Myself and Others

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

Debbie V

Mentoring Myself and Others

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

blacbird

Debbie V

Mentoring Myself and Others