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Comprehensive mapping of lunar surface chemistry by adding Chang'e-5 samples with deep learning
Chen Yang1,2, Xinmei Zhang3, Lorenzo Bruzzone4
1College of Earth Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China. yangc616@jlu.edu.cn.
Nature Communications
|November 21, 2023
Summary
New lunar surface chemistry maps reveal late-stage volcanic activity. These maps, using Chang
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Lunar Geology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Understanding lunar evolution requires detailed surface chemistry.
- Previous chemical mapping was limited to older lunar periods (pre-3.0 Gyr).
- The critical late period of lunar evolution remains under-mapped.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create precise major oxides chemistry maps of the lunar surface.
- To extend chemical mapping to the younger, 2.0 Gyr period of lunar history.
- To identify potential future sample return mission sites.
Main Methods:
- Integration of Chang'e-5 lunar soil samples (2.0 Gyr) with a deep learning inversion model.
- Generation of major oxides chemistry maps.
- Verification using Chang'e 3 and Chang'e 4 in situ measurement data.
Main Results:
- Inferred chemical contents show higher precision than Lunar Prospector Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) maps.
- Results closely match returned sample abundances, serving as crucial ground truth.
- Identification of young mare basalt units.
Conclusions:
- Chang'e-5 samples are vital for accurate lunar surface chemistry mapping.
- The new maps provide unprecedented detail for the late lunar period.
- Identified young mare basalts are promising targets for future missions to study lunar magmatic and thermal history.
