The influence of the surface conductivity on the local electric fields and the motion of charged dust grains on the Moon

It is investigated how finite regolith conductivity influences the magnitude of strong electric fields required for lofting dust grains above the surface. It is shown that even very weak conductivity typical for the lunar regolith restricts the maximum values of the local electric fields formed near mini-craters or mini-hills on the dark side of the Moon. As a result the lofting of dust grains from the surface of the Moon is suppressed significantly. The effect depends on the regolith conductivity, parameters of the solar wind plasma, and the steepness of the slopes of the mini-crater or mini-hill.