Maharashtra, particularly the Deccan Plateau, is predominantly characterized by extensive deposits of volcanic rock, primarily basalt. These rocks originated from volcanic activity that occurred over 60 million years ago, when molten lava cooled and solidified into sheets of dark-colored basalt. This immense volcanic formation, known as the Deccan Traps, exhibits considerable variation in thickness and has significantly influenced the region's geology and landscape.
The Deccan Traps represent one of the largest volcanic formations globally, consisting of numerous layers of basalt rock. Formed through extensive volcanic eruptions approximately 60 million years ago, these lava flows solidified into the basalt sheets that now cover much of Maharashtra.
Basalt is a dark-colored volcanic rock that forms when molten lava cools and solidifies. The basalt found in Maharashtra was created during the late Cretaceous period, coinciding with the mass extinction event that led to the demise of the dinosaurs.
The thickness of the basalt layers across Maharashtra varies significantly, ranging from a few tens of meters to nearly 2 kilometers in some areas. The thickest deposits are concentrated in the Deccan Plateau, where multiple lava flows have occurred over millions of years.
The volcanic rocks in Maharashtra, part of the Deccan Traps, are over 60 million years old. These formations emerged during a period marked by intense volcanic activity that persisted for several million years.
The volcanic eruptions responsible for the creation of the Deccan Traps were likely triggered by the movement of the Indian Plate over a hotspot or plume of molten rock from deep within the Earth’s mantle. This hotspot resulted in significant volcanic activity over millions of years, leading to the release of vast quantities of lava.
The Deccan Traps have played a pivotal role in shaping Maharashtra's geography, resulting in the rugged terrain of the Deccan Plateau. Basalt rock is notably resistant to erosion, contributing to the formation of flat-topped hills, ridges, and valleys. The black soil prevalent in the region is a product of basalt weathering.
The Deccan Traps are crucial in Earth's history, being one of the largest volcanic provinces worldwide. The volcanic activity that formed them is believed to have played a role in the mass extinction event that occurred around 66 million years ago, which included the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The weathering of basalt rock has resulted in the formation of fertile black soil, commonly known as “regur” or “black cotton soil.” This nutrient-rich soil supports the cultivation of crops such as cotton, sugarcane, and pulses, enhancing agricultural productivity in several regions of Maharashtra.
Although the volcanic activity that formed the Deccan Traps concluded millions of years ago, the remnants of this activity, including the basalt rock formations, continue to influence the landscape and environment of the area.
The Deccan Traps are renowned for their distinctive step-like terrain, which has resulted from successive layers of lava flows. Additionally, Maharashtra is home to several significant geological features, including the basalt cliffs of the Western Ghats, the Lonar Crater, and various volcanic rock formations scattered throughout the state.
Q1. What are the Deccan Traps?
Answer: The Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic formations globally, consisting of basalt rock layers formed from extensive volcanic eruptions over 60 million years ago.
Q2. How is basalt formed?
Answer: Basalt forms when molten lava cools and solidifies. The basalt in Maharashtra was created from volcanic eruptions during the late Cretaceous period, coinciding with the dinosaur extinction.
Q3. How thick are the basalt layers in Maharashtra?
Answer: The basalt layers in Maharashtra vary greatly in thickness, from a few tens of meters to nearly 2 kilometers, with the thickest deposits found in the Deccan Plateau.
Q4. What caused the volcanic eruptions that created the Deccan Traps?
Answer: The eruptions were likely caused by the Indian Plate movement over a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle, leading to significant volcanic activity and lava release.
Q5. What is the significance of the Deccan Traps in Earth's history?
Answer: The Deccan Traps are significant as one of the largest volcanic provinces, with their formation linked to the mass extinction event that eliminated the dinosaurs around 66 million years ago.
Question 1: What are the Deccan Traps?
A) A type of sedimentary rock
B) A large volcanic formation in Maharashtra
C) A mountain range in India
D) A type of mineral found in Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How old are the volcanic rocks in Maharashtra?
A) 10 million years
B) 60 million years
C) 100 million years
D) 200 million years
Correct Answer: B
Kutos : AI Assistant!
