New Lunar Geological Atlases Reveal Moon’s Complex Origin and Evolution

The Chinese Academy of Sciences recently compiled a new set of lunar geological atlases that provide a comprehensive understanding of the Moon’s origin and evolution. Academician Ouyang Ziyuan and researcher Liu Jianzhong led a team that created these atlases using data from China’s Chang’e lunar exploration program and other international missions.

The set of geological atlases includes two major components: the Geological Atlas of the Lunar Globe and the map quadrangles of the Geological Atlas of the Moon. The Geological Atlas of the Lunar Globe consists of three sub-maps: the Geological Map of the Moon, the Lithological Map of the Moon, and the Tectonic Map of the Moon. On the other hand, the Geological Atlas of the Moon Map Quadrangles includes 30 standardized sub-schematic geological maps.

These atlases have been made available in both Chinese and English, making it easier for scientists, researchers, and educators to access them. The digital lunar geological atlas has also been integrated into a digital lunar cloud platform for lunar scientific research, education, and future lunar exploration projects.

The Apollo program’s lunar geological maps are no longer sufficient for current and future deep space exploration and scientific research needs. These new atlases provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Moon’s origin and evolution by including impact craters, impact basins, lithologies, structures throughout