Tracks onset of sudden change in USA (6)

I believe the answer is:
scents
'tracks' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'onset of sudden change in usa' is the wordplay.
'onset of' suggests taking the first letters.
'in usa' becomes 'ents' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
The first letters of 'sudden change' is 'sc'.
'sc'+'ents'='SCENTS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scents that I've seen before include "Fragrances, smells" , "Distinctive odours, usually pleasant" , "Trails" , "Essences and perfumes" .)
