Correct option is A
· Statement I is correct: Global warming can increase temperatures, causing permafrost to melt, releasing methane (CH4) trapped in frozen soils. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and its release exacerbates climate change.
· Statement II is correct: There are vast quantities of methane frozen in permafrost (called methane hydrates) in the Arctic and other cold regions. As the permafrost melts due to global warming, methane is released into the atmosphere.
Information Booster:
1. Permafrost and methane: Large amounts of methane are trapped in permafrost, which, when thawed, release this potent greenhouse gas.
2. Methane’s role in climate change: Methane is 25 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2, making it a significant contributor to global warming.
3. Feedback loop: The release of methane due to warming creates a positive feedback loop, where increased methane further accelerates warming.
4. Climate tipping points: The release of permafrost methane is considered a potential tipping point in climate change scenarios.