In India, rocks of which of the following regions was formed the earl...
- Khasi hills, one of the youngest, belong to the Tertiary period (to which a large area in North-east also belongs). Shivalik are part of Himalayas, so given the reasoning below.
- The alluvium which is found in the Indo- Gangetic plain belongs to the Quaternary period. It was eroded from the Himalayas by the rivers and the monsoons since the Himalayas were formed after Deccan traps, and are very young.
- The Deccan Plateau in India is one of the oldest plateaus in India made mainly from igneous rocks.
In India, rocks of which of the following regions was formed the earl...
The correct answer is option 'D' - Deccan Traps.
Explanation:
The Deccan Traps is a large volcanic province located in west-central India. It is composed of multiple layers of solidified basalt lava flows. The rocks of the Deccan Traps were formed during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.
Formation of the Deccan Traps:
1. Geological Activity: The formation of the Deccan Traps can be attributed to intense volcanic activity that occurred during the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana.
2. Massive Eruptions: The volcanic activity resulted in massive eruptions that released vast amounts of basaltic lava onto the surface.
3. Lava Flows: The lava flows spread over an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometers, covering the present-day states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
4. Layered Structure: Over time, the successive eruptions led to the formation of multiple layers of solidified lava flows, creating a distinctive layered structure.
5. Thickness and Extent: The Deccan Traps cover an immense thickness of up to 2,000 meters and are considered one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world.
Importance of the Deccan Traps:
1. Geological Significance: The Deccan Traps hold immense geological significance as they provide valuable insights into the Earth's history, climate changes, and mass extinctions.
2. Mass Extinction Event: The timing of the Deccan Traps' formation coincides with the mass extinction event that resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs. It is believed that the volcanic activity and the release of gases and aerosols had a significant impact on the global climate, contributing to the extinction event.
3. Mineral Resources: The Deccan Traps also contain various mineral resources, including basalt, granite, and limestone, which are important for construction and industrial purposes.
In conclusion, the rocks of the Deccan Traps in India were formed the earliest among the given options. The intense volcanic activity during the Late Cretaceous period led to the deposition of multiple layers of solidified basalt lava flows, creating the distinctive geological formation known as the Deccan Traps.