regolith
Regolith is a layer of loose, fragmented material that covers solid bedrock on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. It consists of dust, soil, broken rocks, and other debris created by processes such as weathering and impact events. This layer can vary in thickness and composition depending on the location and geological history of the surface.
On Earth, regolith includes soil and sediment found on land surfaces, which supports plant life and ecosystems. Understanding regolith is essential for fields like geology, planetary science, and agriculture, as it influences land use, resource availability, and the potential for human exploration of other planets.