Prelims 2019 · Environment · Question 94
Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'?<br/>1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.<br/>2. Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.<br/>3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer
1, 2 and 3
1. Correct. Methane hydrates are stable under low temperature and high pressure; warming of oceans/permafrost can destabilize them and release methane, a strong greenhouse gas.
2. Correct. Major methane hydrate deposits occur in Arctic permafrost/tundra regions and in marine sediments beneath the seafloor along continental margins.
3. Correct. Atmospheric methane has an average lifetime of about 12 years and is oxidized mainly into carbon dioxide and water vapour.
Hence, all three statements are correct.