What is Deccan Traps?

The Deccan Traps is a large geological formation in India, consisting of a vast expanse of volcanic basalt rock that was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions around 66 million years ago. It covers an area of approximately 500,000 square kilometers, primarily in the state of Maharashtra. The formation is significant for its role in the mass extinction event that coincided with the end of the Cretaceous period, as the eruptions released massive amounts of lava and gases into the atmosphere, potentially contributing to climate change. The term "traps" refers to the stepped topography created by the layered volcanic rocks.