Question map
Consider the following statements: 1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds. 2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma. 3. Dharwars are famous for petroleum. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect because Gondwana beds are primarily known for coal, containing nearly 98% of India's coal reserves [1]. While some recent exploration indicates potential for shale gas and coal bed methane in these formations [4], natural gas in commercial quantities is typically associated with Tertiary formations and offshore basins like the Krishna-Godavari basin. Statement 2 is correct as Kodarma in Jharkhand is a world-renowned center for mica production, often referred to as the 'Mica Capital of India' [5]. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Dharwar system consists of the oldest metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, which are highly mineralized with metallic ores like iron, manganese, and gold [2]. Petroleum is found in sedimentary basins of the Tertiary period (Cenozoic era), such as those in Assam, Gujarat, and the Mumbai High, rather than the ancient crystalline Dharwar rocks.
Sources
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE MESOZOIC ERA (THE GONDWANA SYSTEM) > p. 16
- [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > DHARWAR SYSTEM (PROTEROZOIC FORMATIONS) > p. 11
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 7: Resources > Natural Resources of India > p. 22
- [5] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 2. The Dharwar System > p. 50
- [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1875510021005126