Felhréteg

Felhréteg is a Hungarian term formed from the prefix fel- meaning "upper" or "top" and the noun réteg meaning "layer." It is used as a descriptive label for the uppermost layer of a surface or system, but it is not a single standardized technical term; its precise meaning varies by field and context.

In geology and soil science, the felhréteg generally refers to the uppermost portion of the geological or soil sequence accessible at the surface. This layer often has distinct characteristics such as texture, mineral composition, moisture regime, or color, and it typically differs from underlying layers.

In materials science and engineering, the term may denote the outermost layer of a material or structure—such as a coating, veneer, or surface treatment—that determines interactions with the environment, wear resistance, or aesthetic appearance. The properties of the felhréteg in this sense are typically defined by the coating thickness, composition, adhesion, and surface finish.

In environmental and earth science contexts, felhréteg can describe the near-surface veneer of an area, such as the weathered outer crust or the surface layer of sediment, whose characteristics influence processes at the surface (e.g., weathering, infiltration, biological activity).

Because felhréteg is not a fixed term, its precise definition should be anchored to the discipline’s terminology or the context of a given document. When used, it is advisable to specify the properties that characterize the felhréteg, such as composition, grain size, porosity, or coating thickness.

See also: felső réteg; felszín; réteg.