ScienceJuly 13, 2026
regolith
/ˈrɛɡ.əˌlɪθ/
Definition
The layer of loose, fragmented, and unconsolidated rocky debris that covers solid bedrock, specifically referring to the surface material on celestial bodies like Mars.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Greek words 'rhegos' (blanket) and 'lithos' (stone). It was coined in the late 19th century to describe the 'blanket' of rocky debris covering the solid bedrock of the Earth and other planets.
In the news
In the article, researchers are studying how to transform Martian regolith into a suitable medium for agriculture by using plants and microbes to improve its poor nutrient content and remove toxic perchlorates.
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,207 10 July 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
Read the full article ↗Astrobiology Web