Volcanism, Past and Present – The Indian Scenario

Abstract

Indian geoscientists continue to study volcanism in the sub-continent under three distinct theme-based time periods i.e. Archean-Proterozoic volcanism, Late Mesozoic Deccan Traps and Prehistoric Barren Island volcanism. The physical volcanology, geochemistry, isotopic systematics and economic potential constitute thrust areas for komatiites research in the Dharwar and Singbhum cratons. Similarly, the geochemistry and geochronology of basalts and boninites from Chitradurga, Veligallu, Kutti, Gadwal, Jonnagiri and Kolar greenstone belts continue unabated. The Mesozoic Deccan Trap lavas and interflow boles have captivated the attention of a small but significant group of Indian geoscientists. Papers related to several aspects such as the physical volcanology, geochemistry, geochronology and magnetics of basalts, rhyolites and boles have been published. A first time report of occurrence of pelletal lapilli from one of the world's largest crater-facies kimberlites at Bejripadar Tokapal Kimberlite field is significant. Radiogenic dating of kimberlite-lamproite magmatism from Mainpur,Wajrakarur and Kutch suggest a close spatio-temporal association between these deep-seated mantle messengers and large CFB provinces during the Cretaceous. A small group of dedicated Earth Scientists continue to work on the tuffs and basaltic andesite lavas from the prehistoric Barren Island Volcano.