1∶50 000 Geologic Map Database of the Xiaoshui Map Sheet, Henan Province

The  1∶50  000  geologic  map  of  the  Xiaoshui  map  sheet  (I49E016015),  Henan Province was prepared by using the digital mapping technology and database building, during which existing geologic and mineral data were fully collected and comprehensively analyzed. The database of this geologic map (also referred to as the Database) is in the format of MapGIS and  covers  nine  stratigraphic  units  and  six  stages  of  magmatic  events,  which  also  includes electronic probe data of 70 samples, chemistry testing data of 57 samples, zircon U–Pb dating of 73 samples and whole-rock geochemical data of 147 samples, coming to a total data size of 31.9 MB. Meanwhile, the new mapping theory and methodology based on orogenic belts were adopted  to  highlight  tectonic  and  lithologic  mapping  as  well  as  the  presentation  of  special geologic bodies and informal mapping units. In this way, the contents on the map face were expressed in a more scientific, readable and practical manner. In this study, the structure of the North Qinling Orogenic Belt (NQOB) was established, consisting of the Shangnan –Danfeng tectonic belt, Zhu–Xia ophiolitic mélange belt, Qinling microcontinent and Erlangping island arc, a back-arc basin. Following this, it was clear that the Zhu–Xia ophiolitic mélange belt was formed  in  the  early  Paleozoic  era.  Furthermore,  the  composition  and  four  stages  of  fold deformations of the Qinling Group were ascertained; the spatial distribution law, protolith and metamorphic  era  of  the  high  and  ultrahigh-pressure  rocks  in  the  map  sheet  area  were determined. Thus, revealing that the whole Qinling microcontinent was involved in the early Paleozoic orogen and had undergone great transformation. The achievements of this study have provided  new  basic  geological  data  for  the  preparation  of  the ‘Annals of Geology of Henan Province’ and the projects funded by the ‘Geological Exploration Fund of Henan Province’.
Moreover, the 1∶50 000 geologic map of the Xiaoshui map sheet was awarded the ‘Excellent
Map Sheet Prize’, among the areas mapped, based on orogenic belts in the national regional
geological surveys of China in 2018.