Abstract:
The exposed crust is the critical interface where the lithosphere interacts with the pedosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. The petrogeochemical map of the exposed crust can provide essential fundamental geochemical data for investigating the distributions and cycles of elements among different spheres. However, the plotting of the large-scale petrogeochemical map of the exposed crust has been constrained by the limited data volume and mapping technology. Consequently, no such a map covering the Chinese continent is available. This study proposed an innovative mapping technology roadmap based on over 16,000 petrogeochemical data and fundamental geological information. First, the databases for petrogeochemical information, stratigraphic structure information, and spatial information of geological units were constructed. Second, the geospatial information of strata and rock masses was extracted from the basic databases. Third, the petrogeochemical information was assigned to strata and rock masses to obtain their spatial distributions and element contents. Fourth, the spatial distribution patterns of 76 elements in the exposed crust were visualized using geographical information system (GIS) technology. Additionally, this study analyzed the challenges in the mapping process, including geological information accuracy, the lack of samples for special lithologies, reliability assessment, and scope of application, finally proposing corresponding solutions. The petrogeochemical map of the exposed crust demonstrates significant application potential, providing foundational data for investigating geochemical background and rock-sediment element cycling.