ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Mineral dust

Mineral dust is like tiny little pieces of rock and dirt that are so small you can't see them with just your eyes. They come from things like deserts, volcanoes, and even the ocean.

Sometimes, the wind picks up these tiny pieces of rock and dirt and blows them all around. When this happens, the air can look hazy or dusty.

These tiny particles can be really important for the environment. They can help plants grow better and even help cool the Earth's atmosphere. But, if there's too much mineral dust in the air, it can also cause problems for people's health and make it harder to breathe.

Scientists study mineral dust to learn more about how it affects our environment and how we can find ways to limit its negative effects.