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
3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Methane hydrates are methane trapped within a crystal structure of water, forming a solid similar to ice.

Statement 1: Global warming can destabilize methane hydrate deposits, potentially leading to the release of methane gas. This released methane can further contribute to global warming, creating a feedback loop.

Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2: Significant deposits of methane hydrates are indeed found in Arctic Tundra and beneath the ocean floor.

Statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3: Methane has a relatively short lifespan in the atmosphere. It oxidizes to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water within approximately a decade or two, primarily through reaction with hydroxyl radicals (OH-).

Statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

Sources:

• World Ocean Review - Methane Hydrates
• Earthguide UCSD - Methane and Climate Change