USGS releases the first meticulous geological map of the Moon

The United States Geologic Survey (USGS), in collaboration with NASA and the Lunar Planetary Institute, has released the first detailed geologic map of the Moon.

Moon is quite different from Earth in terms of geology. There are no tectonic plates, the gravitational forces are lower while the lack of atmosphere eradicates the erosion and weathering phenomena that geological formations on Earth experience. The lunar geology was mainly formed as a result of volcanic explosions and collisions of meteorites.

Scientists have created the “Unified Geologic Map of the Moon” utilizing data from satellite missions coupled with observations of the lunar surface from 6 Apollo expeditions that produced local maps. Combining these data, researchers also managed to create a stratigraphy model of the moon. The map was made at a scale of 1:5,000,000, thus, presenting a great detail of the moon's geology. A full-resolution version of the map is available online and can be found here.

Topography and elevation profiles of the equatorial region and the poles of the Moon were derived by data collected from SELENE, a mission conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and from NASA’s Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter instrument.

43 geologic formations are included in the map. These units can be classified based on their origin into 6 categories:

• Craters materials
• Basins
• Terra plains
• Imbrium Formation (a vast lava plain within the Imbrium Basin on the Moon)
• Orientale Formation (one of the largest and youngest impact craters of the Moon)
• Volcanic units

The map is a priceless scientific achievement that can also be used for future lunar missions. "People have always been fascinated by the moon and when we might return. So, it’s wonderful to see USGS create a resource that can help NASA with their planning for future missions,” Jim Reilly, an American geologist and a former NASA astronaut who is currently Director of the USGS, stated.

The map incorporates more features associated with the geological formations of the Moon. These include faults, depressions, scarps and crater rim crests.

A video that presents a rotating view of the "Unified Geologic Map of the Moon" with shaded topography was released by USGS. Click here to watch the impressive animation.

To find out more details about the map, download the summary of the study below.