Reg
A reg is a flat, stony desert plain, an ideal surface for spotting and preserving meteorites.
A reg is a desert surface of flat gravel and stones, often called desert pavement. It forms where wind blows away fine sand and dust, leaving coarser pebbles behind, which pack together into a stony layer. Regs cover large parts of the Sahara and other deserts.
Regs are excellent for meteorite hunting. The surface is old and stable, so meteorites can accumulate over tens of thousands of years without being buried. The dark crust of a meteorite often stands out against pale stones. Little rain falls, so weathering is slow. Many dense collection areas in Oman, Libya, Algeria and Morocco are regs.
However, many desert rocks also develop dark coatings of desert varnish, which can be mistaken for fusion crust. Experienced hunters learn to look for the rounded shapes, metal grains and magnetism that set meteorites apart. Remember that collecting is regulated in many desert countries, and laws must be followed.
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