Deccan Traps Volcanism

Definition

Deccan Traps volcanism refers to a series of volcanic eruptions that formed the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world, located in western India. These massive outpourings of basaltic lava occurred around 66 million years ago and are significant in discussions about the End-Cretaceous extinction due to their potential role in environmental changes that contributed to the extinction of many species, including the dinosaurs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Deccan Traps were formed by extensive volcanic activity that resulted in layers of basalt covering over 500,000 square kilometers.
2. The eruptions occurred in multiple phases over a span of about 1 million years, with the most intense activity happening just before the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary.
3. These volcanic eruptions released large amounts of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially causing acid rain and contributing to global cooling.
4. The environmental consequences of Deccan Traps volcanism may have exacerbated the effects of the Chicxulub impact, leading to drastic changes in climate and ecosystems.
5. Studies suggest that the timing of the Deccan Traps eruptions aligns closely with the mass extinction event, suggesting a link between volcanic activity and the decline of many species.

Review Questions

• How did Deccan Traps volcanism potentially influence global climate and environments during the End-Cretaceous extinction?
  • Deccan Traps volcanism likely influenced global climate by releasing large amounts of gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These emissions could have led to acid rain and a significant drop in temperatures due to sunlight blockage. Such drastic environmental changes would have adversely affected ecosystems, contributing to the decline of many species during the End-Cretaceous extinction event.
• Compare and contrast the effects of Deccan Traps volcanism and the Chicxulub impact on biodiversity at the end of the Cretaceous period.
  • Both Deccan Traps volcanism and the Chicxulub impact had devastating effects on biodiversity at the end of the Cretaceous period. While the Chicxulub impact caused immediate destruction through shock waves and wildfires, Deccan Traps volcanism created long-term environmental changes through gas emissions leading to climate shifts. Together, they created a one-two punch that severely disrupted ecosystems, making it difficult for many species to survive.
• Evaluate the significance of integrating evidence from Deccan Traps volcanism with other factors contributing to the End-Cretaceous extinction.
  • Integrating evidence from Deccan Traps volcanism with other factors, such as the Chicxulub impact, allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the End-Cretaceous extinction. By analyzing how these events interacted—like how volcanic emissions could have intensified climate effects from an asteroid impact—we gain insight into complex ecological dynamics. This holistic view helps explain not just why many species went extinct but also highlights how multiple catastrophic events can lead to significant shifts in Earth's biological history.

Related terms

Basalt: A common volcanic rock type formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava, which is rich in iron and magnesium.

Mass Extinction: A widespread and rapid decrease in biodiversity on Earth, characterized by the extinction of a large number of species in a relatively short period.

Chicxulub Impact: A massive asteroid impact that created the Chicxulub crater in Mexico, which is widely believed to have contributed to the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period.