Prelims 2014 · Science and Technology · Question 18
With reference to two non-conventional energy sources called 'coalbed methane' and 'shale gas', consider the following statements: 1. Coalbed methane is the pure methane gas extracted from coal seams, while shale gas is a mixture of propane and butane only that can be extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks. 2. In India, abundant coalbed methane sources exist, but so far no shale gas sources have been found. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1: Coalbed methane is methane adsorbed in coal seams, but shale gas is not only propane and butane; it is predominantly natural gas, mainly methane, trapped in shale formations. Verdict: Incorrect.
Statement 2: India does have coalbed methane resources, but shale gas resources have also been identified in basins such as Cambay, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery and Damodar Valley. Verdict: Incorrect.
Therefore, neither Statement 1 nor Statement 2 is correct.