UPSC Prelims 2021 · Question 19 of 97

UPSC Prelims 2021 question on Blue Carbon

What is blue carbon?

  1. Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems
  2. Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils
  3. Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas
  4. Carbon present in atmosphere
Show answer

Answer: A. Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems

Verdict

Correct answer → Option (a).

Analysis

Blue carbon is the term for carbon captured by the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems.

Sea grasses, mangroves, and salt marshes along our coast 'capture and hold' carbon, acting as a carbon sink. These coastal systems, though much smaller in size than the planet's forests, sequester carbon at a much faster rate, and can continue to do so for millions of years.

Statement by statement

Option (a) — CORRECT: Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems is the definition of blue carbon.

Option (b) — INCORRECT: Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils relates to 'green carbon', not blue carbon.

Option (c) — INCORRECT: Carbon in petroleum and natural gas is fossil carbon, not blue carbon.

Option (d) — INCORRECT: Atmospheric carbon is not blue carbon.

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