Regolith
Regolith is a layer of loose, fragmented material that covers solid bedrock on celestial bodies like the Moon, Mars, and Earth. It consists of soil, dust, and broken rock particles, formed through processes such as weathering and erosion. Regolith plays a crucial role in supporting plant life on Earth and is essential for understanding the geology of other planets.
On the Moon, regolith is composed mainly of fine dust and small rocks created by meteorite impacts. This lunar regolith contains valuable resources, including helium-3, which is considered for future energy production. Studying regolith helps scientists learn about the history and composition of planetary surfaces.