SSC MTS EXAM

Detailed explanation-1: -The Deccan Traps flow basalt (65 Ma) is one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, and crops out over 500, 000 sq. km of the west-central Indian subcontinent. The trap complex is predominantly composed of multiple layers of tholeiitic flood basalt.

Detailed explanation-2: -Within the Deccan Traps at least 95% of the lavas are tholeiitic basalts. Major mineral constituents are olivine, pyroxenes, and plagioclase, as well as certain Fe-Ti-rich oxides. These magmas are <7% MgO. Many of these minerals are observed however, as highly altered forms.

Detailed explanation-3: -The volcanic basalt beds of the Deccan were laid down in the massive Deccan Traps eruption, which occurred towards the end of the Cretaceous period between 67 and 66 million years ago. Some paleontologists speculate that this eruption may have been one of the causes of the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.

Detailed explanation-4: -A flood-basalt province is popularly known as Trap (Deccan Traps in India). Eleven distinct flood-basalt episodes have occurred in the past 250 million years, resulting in large volcanic provinces.