New geological map of moon completed in Guizhou

The geological map of moon is expected to provide an invaluable reference point for the map making of other celestial bodies. [Photo/Institute of Geochemistry of Chinese Academy of Sciences]

The Institute of Geochemistry of Chinese Academy of Sciences – located in Guiyang city, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province – recently completed a 1:2,500,000 geological map of the moon, which is said to be the first of its kind in the world.

The geological map includes information on the lunar crust's stratum, structure, lithology and chronology. It also showcases the evolutionary process of magmatism, meteorite impacts and volcanic activities.

Put together with the cooperation of various institutes and universities, the geological map is based on data collected by China's lunar exploration project and other international organizations.

The research team studied the layers, morphology, elements, structure and geological age of the moon. It proposed a new geochronometric scale for the body, as well as made standards, procedures, approaches and graphic symbols for making the geological map.