Global scale geochemical mapping program — Contributions from China

Systematic mapping of nearly all elements in the periodic table to cover the entire earth's surface is still a dream for the applied geochemists in the world. Chinese geochemists have been active in the implementation of Global Geochemical Mapping Program. In the past thirty years, a series of systematic geochemical mapping programs have been conducted in China. These programs have greatly contributed to the development of the concept and methodology for the Global Geochemical Mapping Programs, such as the proper sampling medium selection, analytical scheme development, reference material development and also for the establishment of the quality control system. Based on the new sampling concept and encouraging results obtained from the representative experiments conducted in China, a new outline for the Global Geochemical Mapping Program is forwarded. •Systematic geochemical mapping programs conducted in china are reviewed.•Contributions to global geochemical mapping by these programs are discussed.•New outlines of multi-level global geochemical mapping program are forwarded.