  Using an adiabatic approximation method, which searches for Tomlinson
model-like instabilities for a simple but still realistic model for two
crystalline surfaces in the extremely light contact limit, with mobile
molecules present at the interface, sliding relative to each other, we are able
to account for the virtually universal occurrence of "dry friction." The model
makes important predictions for the dependence of friction on the strength of
the interaction of each surface with the mobile molecules.
