Deccan Traps

Definition

The Deccan Traps are a large volcanic province in India, formed by a series of volcanic eruptions that occurred around 66 million years ago, covering over 500,000 square kilometers. This massive outpouring of basalt lava is one of the largest volcanic features on Earth and is significant for its role in the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Deccan Traps were formed during a period of intense volcanic activity associated with the end of the Cretaceous period.
2. These volcanic eruptions released massive amounts of lava, ash, and gases into the atmosphere, contributing to significant climate changes.
3. The Deccan Traps are believed to have played a crucial role in the mass extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago, alongside the impact of a large asteroid.
4. The region is characterized by extensive flat-topped hills, known as 'table mountains,' resulting from erosion of the layered basalt flows.
5. Studies of the Deccan Traps provide valuable insights into understanding the relationship between volcanism and mass extinction events in Earth's history.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Deccan Traps relate to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event?
  • The formation of the Deccan Traps coincided with the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event about 66 million years ago. The extensive volcanic activity released large volumes of lava, ash, and gases into the atmosphere, leading to drastic environmental changes. These changes may have contributed to a decline in global temperatures and disrupted ecosystems, ultimately playing a significant role in the extinction of numerous species, including dinosaurs.
• Discuss the geological processes involved in creating the Deccan Traps and their implications for understanding plate tectonics.
  • The Deccan Traps were created through a series of massive basaltic eruptions due to mantle plume activity beneath the Indian plate. As tectonic plates moved over a stationary hotspot in the mantle, immense volumes of lava erupted onto the surface. This geological process illustrates how volcanic activity can occur away from plate boundaries and helps scientists understand how such hotspots contribute to volcanic regions and their potential environmental impacts.
• Evaluate the significance of studying the Deccan Traps in relation to current volcanic activity and its potential impact on climate change.
  • Studying the Deccan Traps is crucial for understanding past volcanic events and their effects on Earth's climate systems. Insights gained from these ancient eruptions can inform our knowledge about modern-day volcanoes and their potential contributions to climate change through gas emissions. Additionally, understanding how past volcanic events triggered mass extinctions can help us assess risks associated with current volcanic activity and its long-term environmental impacts.

Related terms

Basalt: A type of igneous rock that is low in silica and rich in iron and magnesium, typically forming from the rapid cooling of lava at the surface.

Mass Extinction: A widespread and rapid decrease in the biodiversity on Earth, often caused by catastrophic events, such as volcanic eruptions or asteroid impacts.

Plate Tectonics: The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.