GS PrelimsEnvironmentGreenhouse gases2017

In the context of mitigating the impending global warming due to anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, which of the following can be the potential sites for carbon sequestration? 1. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams 2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs 3. Subterranean deep saline formations Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A

1 and 2 only

B

3 only

C

1 and 3 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option D

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. Abandoned and uneconomic coal seams can adsorb carbon dioxide onto the coal matrix, making them potential sites for geological carbon sequestration. This process can sometimes be combined with enhanced coalbed methane recovery. 2. Statement 2 is correct. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs have geological structures (like cap rocks) that have already proven their ability to hold fluids and gases under pressure for millions of years. Their storage capacity and existing infrastructure make them suitable candidates for CO2 storage. 3. Statement 3 is correct. Subterranean deep saline formations are layers of porous rock saturated with brine (salty water), found deep underground. These formations represent a very large potential storage capacity for carbon dioxide globally and are considered key sites for large-scale sequestration. 4. Therefore, all three options are recognized as potential sites for carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming from anthropogenic emissions.

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