Deccan Trap formations are caused by which type of volcanic eruptions ? 

The correct answer is Flood Basalt Provinces.

Key Points

• The Deccan Traps are a large igneous province located in western and central India, formed due to extensive volcanic activity.
• The formation of the Deccan Traps is attributed to a series of massive volcanic eruptions, known as flood basalt eruptions.
• These eruptions occurred around 66 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.
• The volcanic activity released large volumes of basaltic lava, covering an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometers.
• The Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth, with lava flows reaching thicknesses of up to 2 kilometers.

Additional Information

• Flood Basalt Provinces:
  • These are regions where extensive basalt lava flows cover large areas of land.
  • Flood basalts are typically associated with mantle plume activity and continental rifting.
  • Other examples include the Siberian Traps in Russia and the Columbia River Basalt Group in the USA.
• Caldera Volcano:
  • A caldera is a large volcanic crater formed by the collapse of a volcano into itself, making it a large, special form of volcanic crater.
  • Examples include Yellowstone Caldera in the USA and Krakatoa in Indonesia.
• Shield Volcano:
  • These are broad, dome-shaped volcanoes with gentle slopes, formed by low-viscosity lava that can flow long distances.
  • Examples include Mauna Loa in Hawaii.
• Composite Volcano:
  • Also known as stratovolcanoes, these are characterized by a conical shape with steep slopes, built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.
  • Examples include Mount Fuji in Japan and Mount St. Helens in the USA.