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.

Correct Option (D) Explanation All three statements regarding methane hydrates are correct. - Statement 1: Methane hydrates are stable under specific conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Global warming, through processes like rising ocean temperatures or melting permafrost, can destabilize these deposits. This destabilization can lead to the release of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to further warming in a positive feedback loop. - Statement 2: The largest known natural reservoirs of methane hydrate are primarily located beneath the Arctic permafrost (which includes the Arctic Tundra regions) and within marine sediments under the seafloor, particularly along continental margins. - Statement 3: Methane (CH₄) has a relatively short atmospheric lifespan, typically persisting for about 9 to 12 years. During this period, it undergoes oxidation, primarily reacting with hydroxyl (OH) radicals, eventually converting into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). Although its atmospheric lifetime is shorter than CO₂, methane is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas over a 20-year period. Incorrect Options Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not include all the correct statements. Since statements 1, 2, and 3 are all factually accurate regarding methane hydrates, the option encompassing all three is the correct choice.

IAS 2019 — Environment & Ecology Environment & Ecology

2019mcqmedium

Which of the following statements are correct about the deposits of 'methane hydrate'?

Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
Large deposits of 'methane hydrate' are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.
Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Official previous-year question

Verified 2 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option (D)

Explanation

All three statements regarding methane hydrates are correct.

Statement 1: Methane hydrates are stable under specific conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Global warming, through processes like rising ocean temperatures or melting permafrost, can destabilize these deposits. This destabilization can lead to the release of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to further warming in a positive feedback loop.
Statement 2: The largest known natural reservoirs of methane hydrate are primarily located beneath the Arctic permafrost (which includes the Arctic Tundra regions) and within marine sediments under the seafloor, particularly along continental margins.
Statement 3: Methane (CH₄) has a relatively short atmospheric lifespan, typically persisting for about 9 to 12 years. During this period, it undergoes oxidation, primarily reacting with hydroxyl (OH) radicals, eventually converting into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). Although its atmospheric lifetime is shorter than CO₂, methane is a significantly more potent greenhouse gas over a 20-year period.

Incorrect Options

Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not include all the correct statements. Since statements 1, 2, and 3 are all factually accurate regarding methane hydrates, the option encompassing all three is the correct choice.

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