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Mantle conduits of the K-Pg Reunion mantle plume rise beneath the Indian subcontinent revealed by 3D magnetotelluric imaging.

A three-dimensional lithospheric resistivity image of central-western India is obtained to understand the lithospheric architecture and map any major eruption channels of the Deccan volcanism as no explicit geophysical revelation of such pathways of magma ascend has yet been made. Two high conductivity (< 30 Ωm) pipe-like geometric features originating from a common deep mantle conductive zone under the Malwa plateau (northernmost lobe of the DVP) and its proximity are detected in the resistivity model. These are interpreted to be remnants of the hitherto unknown primary lithospheric pathways of magma ascent from the deep mantle melt-rich zone related to the Reunion mantle plume upwelling under central-western India. This study gives first compelling geophysical evidence of key eruptive centers of the massive Deccan volcanism in central-western India at a locale not anticipated earlier.

3D iso surface resistivity (30 Ωm) map showing the pathways of Reunion plume eruptions in central-western India. Location of MT stations (solid symbols in blue color) used in the study is also shown over the geology map of the study region.

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