Deccan Traps, India

Indian Deccan Plateau is nothing but a large igneous province. The thick part of the basalt plateau covers about 2 000 meters in average. The total area of ​​the trap is up to 500 000 square meters. The Deccan Traps were formed over 600 million years ago. The majority of volcanic eruptions took place at the area of ​​modern Mumbai. Researchers believe that large-scale series of eruptions lasted about 30 000 years.

A long process of eruptions resulted not only in severe geological, but also in significant climate changes. Emissions of gas and ash blocked sunlight, which is why for many years the average temperature on Earth was about 2C. Scientists have found a relation between the eruption of traps, which occurred about 65 million years ago, and global extinction of living creatures, which took place during the same period.

Deccan Traps eruption coincided with yet another catastrophic event. It was the fall of an asteroid that resulted in the Chicxulub crater. It is possible that the asteroid impact forced more ash and volcanic dust into the atmosphere, which led to the beginning of a long asteroidal winter. For hundreds of years, Deccan Plateau has being an attractive place for research. Scientists have discovered unique fossils there, including remains of ancient amphibians. Currently, there are several villages on the plateau. Its inhabitants worry about strange noises and unusual phenomenons for last several years. Local residents think that the ancient traps can wake up again. Next - Huaynaputina Volcano