Context:
Tropical Flora showed significant resilience during the Deccan Volcanism on Indian Plate as per study
Deccan Volcanism:
- Refers to the volcanic activity that created the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world.
- Time Period – Occurred around 66 million years ago, during the late Cretaceous period.
- Formed during India’s northward migration as it passed over the Reunion hotspot (which is today the Reunion Island).
- This hotspot is still active today and last erupted in 2007.
- Situated primarily in west-central India.
- Impact on Climate – Massive release of volcanic gases, including sulfur dioxide, likely contributed to significant climatic changes, including global cooling.
- Mass Extinction – Some scientists believe that Deccan Volcanism played a role in the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Deccan Trap:
- Alarge igneous province consisting of multiple layers of solidified flood basalt.
- Geological Features – Characterized by step-like hills formed by the successive layers of lava flows.
- Economic Importance – Rich in minerals, including bauxite, iron ore, and manganese.
Black Soil:
- Also known as Regur soil
- Formed from the weathering of basaltic rocks in the Deccan Traps.
- Characteristics – Rich in iron, magnesium, and aluminium, and has a high clay content, which gives it a characteristic black colour.
- Water Retention – Black soil has excellent water retention properties, making it suitable for dry farming.
- Highly fertile and ideal for growing cotton, hence it is also called “cotton soil.”
- Other crops include wheat, jowar, and pulses.
- Distribution – Predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau, covering parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct?
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2013 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct. These soils are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphate and calcium while iron oxide and potash are in excess.
Statement 3 is not correct. The laterite soils are commonly found in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and the hilly areas of Odisha and Assam