China Compiles New 1:5,000,000 Global Geological Map of the Moon

Chinese researchers have completed a new 1:5,000,000 scale global lunar geological map, integrating physical samples from the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions. Measuring roughly 2.8 meters by 1.2 meters, the map catalogs 13,519 impact craters, 81 basins, 14 tectonic categories, and 17 rock types. By leveraging sample ages—such as 2-billion-year-old volcanism confirmed by Chang'e-5—the map redefines boundaries for the Eratosthenian period and expands known distributions of resource-rich KREEP deposits across Oceanus Procellarum.

The 1:5,000,000 global map refines humanity's understanding of lunar chronological history and establishes a standardized mapping system tailored for deep-space exploration. By providing detailed spatial data on basalt ages and mineral distribution, it creates an empirical foundation for locating future lunar research stations and landing sites.

Chinese scientific teams have completed a new 1:5,000,000 scale global geological map of the Moon, incorporating physical evidence gathered by recent lunar missions to refine the satellite's geological timeline, according to reports from People's Daily and Daily Economic News. The primary map measures approximately 2.8 meters in width and 1.2 meters in height, accompanied by localized geological maps of the lunar north and south poles. According to Yang Zhiming, director of the Institute of Geology at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, the map precisely catalogs 13,519 impact craters and 81 impact basins while classifying 14 structural features and 17 rock types. The update builds upon a 1:2,500,000 scale map published in 2024, adjusting age boundaries for major early lunar eras—including the Aitkenian, Nectarian, and Imbrian periods—in light of recent geochronological research. A key element of the map relies on radiometrically dated samples brought back by China's lunar probes. Samples returned by the Chang'e-5 mission confirmed active volcanism on the Moon 2 billion years ago, extending the known duration of lunar geological activity by roughly 1 billion years beyond the previously accepted 3-billion-year threshold. Researchers used this chronological anchor to divide the Eratosthenian period into Early and Late Eratosthenian epochs. Research fellow Ding Xiaozhong noted that this integration of direct sample dating represents a shift toward setting formal sub-division standards in lunar geochronology. Additionally, data from the Chang'e-6 mission—which returned the first samples from the lunar far side—helped refine models regarding far-side volcanic source regions and impact depths. Associate research fellow Jin Ming stated that the map incorporates these far-side basalt age measurements to document the thermal evolution of the lunar hemisphere. The map also updates assessments of KREEP rocks, a lunar material rich in rare earth elements, thorium, uranium, and phosphorus. High-resolution data allowed researchers to filter out spectral noise, revealing that KREEP deposits across Oceanus Procellarum and adjacent regions are more continuous and extensive than previously estimated. In addition to cartographic data, the project establishes a standardized legend and color system developed by Chinese researchers. Following a "newer light, older dark" visual principle tied to geological age, the system provides a unified framework intended to support site selection for future lunar research stations and prospective deep-space missions.