The Gondwana Supergroup is a sequence of late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic sedimentary rocks found in India and other southern hemisphere continents that were once part of the supercontinent Gondwana. These rocks provide significant economic resources.
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the primary economic resource for which the Gondwana Supergroup in India is famous.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Gondwana rocks were deposited in continental rift valleys and basins. The warm, humid climate during their deposition supported vast swamps and forests. The accumulation of plant matter in these swamps, followed by burial and compaction, led to the formation of extensive coal seams.
The Gondwana formations host over 98% of India's coal reserves.
Petroleum and limestone are typically formed in marine environments, which is not characteristic of the Gondwana sequence.
Major iron ore deposits in India are typically found in much older Precambrian rocks, such as the Banded Iron Formations (BIF).
Therefore, the Gondwana Supergroup's primary significance lies in its vast coal deposits.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Gondwana Supergroup is primarily known for its deposits of Coal.