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Question 34

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.

AOptions

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 2 and 3 only

C) 1 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

BSolution

Let's analyze each statement regarding 'methane hydrate':

1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits. Correct. Methane hydrate is a crystalline solid composed of methane and water, stable under high pressure and low temperature conditions. Rising ocean temperatures or thawing permafrost (due to global warming) can destabilize these deposits, leading to the release of large quantities of methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its release could create a dangerous positive feedback loop for climate change.

2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor. Correct. Significant methane hydrate deposits exist in two main geological settings: in deep-water continental margin sediments (under the seafloor) and within and beneath permafrost regions in the Arctic tundra.

3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two. Correct. Methane (CH4) has a relatively short atmospheric lifetime compared to carbon dioxide. It is oxidized in the atmosphere, primarily through reactions with hydroxyl radicals (OH), forming carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor over a period of approximately 9-12 years (often broadly stated as a decade or two). Although it eventually forms CO2, methane's short-term global warming potential is much higher than CO2.

All three statements are correct.

CStrategy

For questions on environmental phenomena like methane hydrates, understand their basic scientific principles, their geographical distribution, and their implications, especially concerning climate change. Connect related concepts such as the atmospheric lifetime of greenhouse gases and their warming potential.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under the Environment & Ecology (Climate Change, Greenhouse Gases, Cryosphere) and Physical Geography sections of the UPSC Prelims syllabus.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium to Difficult. It requires a good understanding of methane hydrates, their formation, location, and atmospheric behavior.