Explanation:

The Deccan Traps are a large igneous province located in west-central India. They are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth and cover an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometers.

Statement 1: They are formed as the lava is highly fluid and rich in silica.

This statement is incorrect. The lava that forms the Deccan Traps is actually low in silica content, making it highly fluid. This low silica content is characteristic of basaltic lava, which is commonly erupted in large volcanic provinces like the Deccan Traps. Basaltic lava has a low viscosity, allowing it to flow easily and spread out over large areas.

Statement 2: They affect extensive areas spreading out as thin sheets before they solidify.

This statement is correct. The Deccan Traps are composed of multiple layers of basaltic lava flows that spread out as thin sheets before solidifying. These lava flows can be several meters to several tens of meters thick and cover extensive areas of the landscape. Over time, multiple layers of lava flows build up, resulting in the thick basaltic plateau that characterizes the Deccan Traps.

The lava flows of the Deccan Traps are typically highly mafic, which means they have a high content of iron and magnesium-rich minerals. This gives the lava a dark color and a dense, solid texture when it solidifies.

The formation of the Deccan Traps is associated with intense volcanic activity that occurred around 66 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. This volcanic activity is believed to be related to the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana and the opening of the Arabian Sea.

In conclusion, the correct answer is option C: 2 only. The Deccan Traps are formed by highly fluid basaltic lava flows that spread out as thin sheets before solidifying, covering extensive areas of the landscape.