Geochemical and petrological sampling and studies at the first moon base

Strategic sampling appropriate to the first-order lunar base can advance a variety of first-order lunar geochemical and petrological problems. Field observation and collection of samples would be done on the lunar surface, but detailed analysis would be done mainly in terrestrial laboratories. Among the most important areas of investigation for which field observations can be made and samples can be collected at the initial base are regolith studies, studies of mare and highlands stratigraphy, and a search for rare materials such as mantle nodules. Since the range of exploration may be limited to a radius of about 20 km from the first lunar base, locating the base near a mare-highlands boundary would enable the greatest latitude in addressing these problems.