UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2019

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'? 1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits. 2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor. 3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 3

Explanation

Methane hydrates are ice-like deposits stable at low temperature and high pressure; warming can destabilise them and release methane. Large deposits occur in Arctic permafrost/tundra and in ocean-floor sediments, and atmospheric methane has a lifetime of roughly a decade or so before being oxidised to CO2. All three statements are correct.

Topics: climate change, environment and ecology, greenhouse gases, methane hydrates