Know About the Moon Like Never Before: Scientists Unveil World’s First High-Definition Geologic Atlas of the Entire Moon

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1044498

The new lunar geologic atlas provides detailed maps and updated geological information to help explore the Moon.

The world’s first top-level atlas of the entire Moon, scaled to 1:2.5 million, was officially released on April 21.

The atlas, available in Chinese and English, contains the Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe and the Map Quadrangles of the Geologic Atlas of the Moon (including an explanatory booklet).

The Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe includes a Geologic Map of the Moon, a Lithologic Map of the Moon, and a Tectonic Map of the Moon. The Map Quadrangles of the Geologic Atlas of the Moon includes 30 standard-sized quadrangles.

Evolution of Lunar Geological Mapping

Since the Apollo program in the 1960s, great progress has been made in lunar exploration and scientific research. However, geological surveys of the moon still use geological maps of the moon developed during the Apollo era.

“With the collection of data and research results, these geological maps of the moon may no longer meet the needs of future scientific research and exploration of the moon,” said Liu Jianzhong, a researcher at from the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGCAS) and editor. -the main atlas.

Research and Development of the New Atlas

The research and collection of 1:2.5-million scale geological map of the Moon started in 2012, led by IGCAS, in cooperation with Jilin University, Shandong University, Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Rock Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other organizations.

By studying and collecting features such as lunar rocks, geological formations, and geological ages, the research team independently developed intellectual property (IP) in the form of technical specifications and standards for geological mapping of the moon. . They then completed a series of geological maps of the Moon at a scale of 1:2.5-million using that IP.

Advances in Lunar Geological Understanding

Based on data from China’s Chang’e Project and other existing lunar study data and research achievements, this atlas provides basic data and scientific references for lunar exploration projects. . In addition, it fills a gap in China’s research on the geological map of the Moon, thus contributing to the study of the origin and evolution of the Moon and the evolution of the Solar System, according to Liu.

The team devised a new lunar time scale—“Three Eons and Six Seasons”—based on the history of the lunar cycle, which provides a more accurate indication of the lunar cycle than the scale. of the previous month.

“Plans of groups of structures and types of rocks were formed according to the progressive importance of endogenic and exogenic processes, which are clearly defined by the characteristics of the evolution of the moon and rocks,” said Liu.

Professional Achievements and Educational Outcomes

The mapping team proposed a method for classifying lunar basins and formation zones, establishing an evolutionary sequence for the basins, and proposing distinct formation units. when places. In addition, they created a new framework for the evolution of the Earth’s planets that is influenced by endogenic and exogenic dynamic geological processes.

The team identified and labeled 12,341 voltages, 81 poles, 17 rock types, and 14 building types, and created a unified classification system for bus-shaped subgroups. At the same time, the atlas also shows other special features such as landing zones and special elevation zones.

Atlas Features and Future Applications

The atlas description manual provides a detailed introduction to the data used to make the map, the principles of choosing a map scale, the subjects represented on the maps, how the period of “Three Eons and Six Ages” is divided grasses, structural systems and rocks, and evolutionary history. of the Moon.

This set of atlases will support lunar science research, science education, as well as landing site selection, lunar equipment testing, and route planning for China’s future exploration projects. month.

The program is supported by the 13th Five-year Strategic Planning Program of IGCAS, the Basic Science Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the National Science and Technology Infrastructure Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology .