Deccan Plateau Formation via Volcanic Activity
The question asks to identify the Indian plateau primarily formed through volcanic activity. Let's examine the options:
- Malwa Plateau: Primarily formed by weathering and erosion of Vindhyan rocks and partly by volcanic activity, but not primarily volcanic.
- Shillong Plateau: Part of the larger Indian peninsula, formed by ancient crystalline rocks, uplifted and eroded. It's not primarily volcanic.
- Chota Nagpur Plateau: Known for its rich mineral deposits, it's primarily formed by ancient crystalline rocks and Gondwana sediments, shaped by erosion.
- Deccan Plateau: This vast plateau in western and central India is predominantly characterized by its formation from solidified lava flows.
Understanding the Deccan Plateau's Volcanic Origin
The Deccan Plateau is a major plateau of India and one of the largest physiographic units. Its formation is directly linked to extensive volcanic activity during the late Cretaceous Epoch. This period saw massive outpouring of basaltic lava across a large part of western India. This event is known as the Deccan Traps formation.
Key Aspects of Deccan Plateau Formation:
- Volcanic Activity: The plateau is primarily composed of thick layers of basaltic rock, which are extrusive igneous rocks formed from cooled lava.
- Deccan Traps: These are layers of solidified flood basalt covering a vast area, estimated to be around 500,000 square kilometers. The sheer thickness of these layers, sometimes exceeding 2,000 meters, points to prolonged and extensive volcanic eruptions.
- Geological Period: The eruptions that formed the Deccan Traps occurred roughly between 68 and 60 million years ago, coinciding with the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event.
- Geographical Extent: The plateau covers much of Maharashtra, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Therefore, the Deccan Plateau is the correct answer as its formation is overwhelmingly attributed to volcanic activity and the resulting lava flows.
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