Context: 

A recent study conducted by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) reveals that tropical flora demonstrated significant resilience during the Deccan Volcanism event, which occurred around 66 million years ago. Despite the volcanic eruptions causing environmental changes, the tropical flora showed limited negative effects, contradicting previous assumptions.

Key Findings:

·        Higher Resilience of Tropical Flora: The study suggests that tropical plants were not severely impacted by the volcanic activity, indicating their ability to withstand climatic stresses during this period.

·        Impact on Climate: While tropical flora remained resilient, the volcanic eruptions released toxic greenhouse gases, contributing to the rise in global temperatures and playing a role in the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction.

·        K-Pg Mass Extinction: This event, which marked the end of the Cretaceous period and the beginning of the Tertiary period, had devastating consequences for terrestrial faunas, particularly dinosaurs.

·        Recovery of Tropical Rainforests: The study underscores that tropical rainforests, if left undisturbed, have the potential to recover quickly under favorable climatic conditions.

About Deccan Volcanism:

·        Timeframe and Scale: Deccan Volcanism occurred approximately 66 million years ago, with volcanic eruptions continuing for several hundred thousand years.

·        Formation of Deccan Traps: These eruptions led to the creation of the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth, stretching over 1500 km. It formed during India’s northward migration over the Reunion hotspot.

·        Geological Impact: The weathering of basalt lava from these eruptions contributed to the formation of Black or Regur soil, also known for its fertility.

About Deccan Traps

·        The Deccan Traps are one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world, covering over 500,000 square kilometers in west-central India. They were formed by massive volcanic eruptions around 66 million years ago, during the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. The term "Traps" refers to the landscape's stepped appearance, which comes from the layered basaltic rock formations.

·        The Deccan Traps were created by intense volcanic activity caused by the Indian Plate moving over a hotspot beneath the Reunion Island. This resulted in prolonged eruptions that emitted large amounts of lava, leading to the formation of layered basaltic plateaus. The volcanic activity lasted for thousands of years and significantly impacted Earth's climate.

·        The Deccan Traps are primarily composed of basalt, a dark igneous rock. Key features include:

o   Layered Basaltic Rock: Thick layers of solidified lava form the stepped landscape.

o   Volcanic Landforms: These include plateaus, ridges, and valleys, with notable remnants like the Western Ghats and Satpura ranges.

o   Laterite Soil: Weathered basalt has formed iron-rich laterite soil, supporting agriculture.