Which of the following statements regarding the Deccan Traps is/are correct ? 1. Intense volcanic activity in the form of fissure eruption took place towards the end of Cretaceous period 2. The volcanic lava spread out in horizontal sheets 3. The regur soil found here is rich in nitrogen Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The Deccan Traps were formed by intense volcanic activity during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 65-66 million years ago [5]. This volcanism was characterized by fissure-type eruptions, where basaltic lava emerged from cracks in the Earth's crust rather than a single vent [3]. The resulting flood basalts spread out in extensive, flat-lying horizontal sheets, creating a characteristic 'stairstep' or trap geomorphology [4]. These layers can reach thicknesses of over 2,000-3,000 meters [1]. Regarding the soil, the weathering of these basaltic rocks produced 'regur' or black cotton soil [2]. While this soil is rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, and aluminum, it is characteristically deficient in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter [t2][t7]. Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.

Sources

1. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE CRETACEOUS SYSTEM (THE DECCAN TRAP) > p. 20
2. [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_basalt
3. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE CRETACEOUS SYSTEM (THE DECCAN TRAP) > p. 19
4. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > ORIGIN AND PHYSIOGRAPHY OF THE PENINSULAR INDIA > p. 48
5. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 6. The Deccan Trap > p. 51