This question is a classic 'Definition Swap' trap combined with a 'Current Status' check. Statement 1 describes LPG (Propane/Butane) but labels it Shale Gas. Statement 2 uses an 'Extreme Negative' ('no sources found') which contradicted the 2013 Shale Gas Policy buzz. It tests basic chemistry of fuels and awareness of resource exploration news.
How this question is built
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements.
Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Statement 1
Does the term "coalbed methane" refer to methane gas produced from coal seams (coal beds)?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Classification > p. 1
Strength: 4/5
“The seam subjected to increased temperatures results into the formation of bituminous coal. It is dense, compact and black in colour. The traces of original vegetation from which it has been formed are found in this coal. Containing 60 to 80% carbon, it is the most popular coal in commercial use. The name is derived after a liquid called bitumen released after heating. Bituminous coal is also used in making coke (coking coal), gas coal, and steam coal. Coking coal results from the heating of coal in the absence of oxygen, which burns off volatile gases and is mainly used in iron and steel industry.”
Why relevant
Mentions 'gas coal' as a product/usage category of certain coals, implying a link between coal and gaseous products.
How to extend
A student could infer that some coals release or yield gas and check whether that gas can be methane specifically from coal seams.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > 17,3.3. Methane > p. 256
Strength: 4/5
“• Methane (CH4) is emitted by natural sources such as wetlands, as well as human activities such as leakage from natural gas systems and the raising of livestock. • Natural processes in soil and chemical reactions in the atmosphere help remove CH4 from the atmosphere.”
Why relevant
Defines methane as a gas emitted by natural sources and human-related systems, establishing that methane occurs in geologic and anthropogenic contexts.
How to extend
Combine this with knowledge that coal seams are geological features to investigate whether methane can be emitted from such seams.
Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Formation of coal and petroleum > p. 70
Strength: 3/5
“Coal and petroleum have been formed from biomass which has been subjected to various biological and geological processes. Coal is the remains of trees, ferns, and other plants that lived millions of years ago. These were crushed into the earth, perhaps by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. They were pressed down by layers of earth and rock. They slowly decayed into coal. Oil and gas are the remains of millions of tiny plants and animals that lived in the sea. When they died, their bodies sank to the sea bed and were covered by silt. Bacteria attacked the dead remains, turning them into oil and gas under the high pressures they were being subjected to.”
Why relevant
Explains coal forms from buried plant biomass under geological processes, indicating coal seams are organic-rich and might generate gases during diagenesis.
How to extend
A student could extend this to consider that gases produced during decomposition/thermal alteration of organic matter in coal seams might include methane.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > The Damuda Series > p. 17
Strength: 3/5
“The Damuda series belongs to the Middle Gondwana Period which contains enormous deposits of coal seams.The coal seams are thicker and more elongated in the eastern coal fields than in the west. The important coal bearing areas of this period are Raniganj, Jharaia, Karanpura, and Bokaro of the Damodar basin, Singrauli, Korba, and Pench valley in Chhattigarh and Madhya Pradesh, Talcher in Mahanadi Basin in Odisha, and Singareni of Satpura Basin in Madhya Pradesh. The Jhingurda Coal Seam with a thickness of about 131 m is the thickest coal seam in India. The Gondwana rocks are also found in Himalayas from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh and”
Why relevant
Describes the Damuda series containing 'enormous deposits of coal seams', highlighting the existence and extent of coal beds as distinct geological units.
How to extend
Knowing coal seams are discrete subsurface units, one could look for reports of gas (e.g., methane) associated with such beds in geological literature or maps.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > Fuel and Power > p. 264
Strength: 3/5
“That which outcrops on the surface (exposed) is easily and economically mined by open-cast or strip-mining methods. The coal-bearing rocks are simply stripped off by giant shovels, and the coal scooped up into the trucks to be carried away (Fig. 27.1). When the coal occurs underneath the earth's surface in concealed beds, underground mining is necessary (Plate 27.A). This involves the excavation of the coal by driving vertical shafts down to the seams and removing the coal through tunnels (Fig. 27.l). This method is more expensive and also more dangerous. When the coal seam lies beneath the sea, off-shore marine mining methods have to be employed (Fig.”
Why relevant
Distinguishes surface-exposed coal and concealed coal beds (seams) that require underground mining, implying coal occurs as subsurface seams which can contain entrapped substances.
How to extend
A student could reason that subsurface (concealed) coal seams might trap gases and thus investigate whether the trapped gas is methane (i.e., 'coalbed methane').
Statement 2
Is coalbed methane composed exclusively of methane (i.e., essentially pure methane)?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > natural gas as a Resource > p. 15
Strength: 5/5
“Natural gas is one of the important sources of energy. Natural gas burns clean and is easy to use. It is relatively cheap to buy and transport. Its storage and distribution is however, complicated. Natural gas may occur in association with crude-oil in the upper most part of an oil trap. Te larger felds of natural gas often have no oil. Te major constituents of natural gas are a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, of which methane alone may make up 80 to 90 per cent. Te other gases include ethane, propane and butane. Te leading producers, consumers and mining centres of natural gas have been plotted in Fig.”
Why relevant
States that natural gas is a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons and that methane alone may make up 80–90%, with other gases like ethane, propane and butane present.
How to extend
A student could generalize that subsurface hydrocarbon gases (including those from coal seams) are often mixtures rather than pure methane, so coalbed methane plausibly contains other hydrocarbons and should be tested for composition.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > 17,3.3. Methane > p. 256
Strength: 4/5
“• Methane (CH4) is emitted by natural sources such as wetlands, as well as human activities such as leakage from natural gas systems and the raising of livestock. • Natural processes in soil and chemical reactions in the atmosphere help remove CH4 from the atmosphere.”
Why relevant
Notes methane is emitted from natural gas systems (implying natural gas systems contain methane within a broader gas context).
How to extend
Using the idea that methane occurs within larger natural gas systems, a student could infer coalbed gas reservoirs may similarly host methane alongside other gases and leaks would reflect mixture behavior.
Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.1 BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND > p. 60
Strength: 3/5
“4.4. A molecule of ammonia has the formula NH3 . Can you draw the electron dot structure for this molecule showing how all four atoms achieve noble gas configuration? Will the molecule have single, double or triple bonds? Let us now take a look at methane, which is a compound of carbon. Methane is widely used as a fuel and is a major component of bio-gas and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). It is also one of the simplest compounds formed by carbon. Methane has a formula CH4 . Hydrogen, as you know, has a valency of 1. Carbon is tetravalent because it has four valence electrons.”
Why relevant
Explains methane as a major component of bio-gas and CNG, implying these fuels are characterized by a primary component (methane) plus other constituents.
How to extend
A student could analogize that ‘coalbed methane’ like biogas/CNG is likely described by its dominant component (methane) but not necessarily pure, so composition analysis is needed.
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods > p. 298
Strength: 3/5
“zz,to,z, Types Of Hydrogen Based On Extraction Methods Depending on the nature of its extraction, hydrogen is categorized into three categories, namely, grey, blue and green. • Grey Hydrogen: it is produced via coal or lignite gasification {black orbrown}, or via a process called steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These tend to be mostly carbon-intensive processes. • Blue Hydrogen: It is produced via natural gas or coal gasification combined with carbon capture. storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to reduce carbon emissions. . Green Hydrogen: It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.”
Why relevant
Describes gas production from coal (coal gasification) as a source of hydrogen and other products, implying coal-related processes produce mixed gases.
How to extend
A student could extend that coal seams and coal-derived gases tend to yield mixtures in processing, suggesting coalbed methane reservoirs may contain multiple gaseous species rather than only CH4.
Statement 3
Is shale gas a mixture composed only of propane and butane?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > natural gas as a Resource > p. 15
Strength: 5/5
“Natural gas is one of the important sources of energy. Natural gas burns clean and is easy to use. It is relatively cheap to buy and transport. Its storage and distribution is however, complicated. Natural gas may occur in association with crude-oil in the upper most part of an oil trap. Te larger felds of natural gas often have no oil. Te major constituents of natural gas are a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons, of which methane alone may make up 80 to 90 per cent. Te other gases include ethane, propane and butane. Te leading producers, consumers and mining centres of natural gas have been plotted in Fig.”
Why relevant
States that 'natural gas' major constituent is methane (80–90%) and that other gases include ethane, propane and butane, showing typical natural gas is a multi-component hydrocarbon mixture.
How to extend
A student could extend this by noting shale gas is a form of natural gas and therefore likely contains methane and other hydrocarbons, not only propane and butane.
FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 8: International Trade > Mineral Oil > p. 81
Strength: 4/5
“A mixture of hydrocarbons in solid, gaseous or liquid form found in the earth. It is commonly known as petroleum. It became a commercial product only in 1859.”
Why relevant
Defines petroleum as a mixture of hydrocarbons in solid, gaseous or liquid form, illustrating that subsurface hydrocarbon accumulations are commonly multi-component mixtures.
How to extend
Use this rule to infer shale gas (a subsurface hydrocarbon gas) is similarly a mixture of several hydrocarbons rather than only two components.
Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures > Snapshots > p. 130
Strength: 4/5
“130 • A mixture consists two or more substances mixed together. These substances retain their individual properties and do not react chemically with each other.• The individual substances that make up a mixture are called its components.• A pure substance consists the same type of particles. All the constituent particles of that substance behave identically.• Pure substance can be either an element or a compound.• Elements are the simplest substances that cannot be broken down further into simpler substances. They are the building blocks of all matter.• Substances which are composed of two or more elements combined chemically in a fixed ratio and have different properties from their constituent elements are called compounds.• Minerals are natural, solid substances found on the Earth.”
Why relevant
Gives the general definition of a mixture: two or more substances mixed together whose components retain properties, indicating gases labelled 'mixtures' normally contain multiple pure substances.
How to extend
Apply this definition to 'shale gas' to expect multiple gaseous hydrocarbon components rather than a binary-only composition.
Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.2.2 Chains, Branches and Rings > p. 64
Strength: 3/5
“In the earlier section, we mentioned the carbon compounds methane, ethane and propane, containing respectively 1, 2 and 3 carbon atoms. Such 'chains' of carbon atoms can contain many more carbon atoms. The names and structures of six of these are given in Table 4.2. • No. of C atoms: 1; Name: Methane; Formula: CH4; Structure: • No. of C atoms: 2; Name: Ethane; Formula: C2H6; Structure: • No. of C atoms: 3; Name: Propane; Formula: C3H8; Structure: • No. of C atoms: 4; Name: Butane; Formula: C4H10; Structure: • No. of C atoms: 5; Name: Pentane; Formula: C5H12; Structure: • No. of C atoms: 6; Name: Hexane; Formula: C6H14; Structure:”
Why relevant
Lists the series of alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane), showing common gaseous hydrocarbons include methane and ethane as well as propane/butane.
How to extend
A student could recall that natural/shale gas typically contains members from this homologous series (especially methane/ethane), so composition limited to only propane and butane would be atypical.
Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.2.4 Homologous Series > p. 66
Strength: 3/5
“Let us look at the homologous series that we saw earlier in Table 4.2. If we look at the formulae of successive compounds, say – and C2H6: C2H6 and C3H8; —: —; these differ by a –CH2 - unit: these differ by a –CH2 - unit What is the difference between the next pair – propane and butane (C4H10)? Can you find out the difference in molecular masses between these pairs (the atomic mass of carbon is 12 u and the atomic mass of hydrogen is 1 u)? Similarly, take the homologous series for alkenes. The first member of the series is ethene which we have already come across in Section 4.2.1.”
Why relevant
Explains the homologous series pattern (successive alkanes differ by CH2), implying natural gas mixtures can include a range of related hydrocarbons of varying chain lengths.
How to extend
Use the pattern to reason shale gas can plausibly include several consecutive alkanes (methane, ethane, propane, etc.) rather than exclusively two specific ones.
Statement 4
Is shale gas extracted from fine-grained sedimentary rocks such as shale?
Origin: Direct from books
Fairness: Straightforward
Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 13: Types of Rocks & Rock Cycle > 13.2. Sedimentary Rocks or Detrital Rocks > p. 171
Presence: 4/5
“• Sedimentary rocks are formed by lithification ― consolidation and compaction of sediments (a result of denudation (weathering and erosion) of all types of rocks). Hence, they are layered or stratified of varying thicknesses. Example: sandstone, shale etc. Ice deposited sedimentary rocks are called tillite. Winddeposited sediments are called loess.• Sedimentary rocks cover 75 per cent of the earth's crust but volumetrically occupy only 5 per cent (because they are available only in the upper part of the crust). Depending upon the mode of formation, they are classified into: • 1. mechanically formed — sandstone, conglomerate, limestone, shale, loess, etc.• 2. organically formed geyserite, chalk, limestone, coal, etc.• 3. chemically formed limestone, halite, potash, etc.”
Why this source?
- Explicitly lists shale as an example of sedimentary rock.
- Identifies shale within the category of rocks from which sedimentary resources derive.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > SEDIMENTARY ROCKS > p. 18
Presence: 4/5
“Sedimentary rocks are formed from sediments accumulated over long periods, usually under water. They are distinguished from the other rock types by their characteristic layer formation and are termed stratified rocks (Plate 2.B). The strata may vary in thickness from a few centimetres to many metres. The rocks may be coarse or fine-grained, soft or hard. The materials that form sedimentary rocks may be brought by streams, glaciers, winds or even animals.
Sedimentary rocks may be classified under three
2.8 Minor faulting in sedimentary rocks of the Kenny Hill Series. Two small faults have distorted the strata. G,C, Morgan”
Why this source?
- States that sedimentary rocks may be coarse or fine‑grained.
- Supports the premise that shale (a sedimentary rock) can be fine‑grained.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > PETROLEUM > p. 266
Presence: 4/5
“Petroleum is mineral oil, organic in origin, and occurs in the pore spaces of sedimentary rocks. It is derived from the decomposition of marine or vegetative matter. It normally occurs in dome-shaped.”
Why this source?
- Says petroleum (and its gaseous state, natural gas) occurs in pore spaces of sedimentary rocks.
- Links hydrocarbons extraction to sedimentary rock hosts, supporting that gas can be produced from sedimentary units like shale.
Statement 5
As of 2014, did India have abundant coalbed methane resources?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > COAL DEPOSITS OF THE TERTIARY PERIOD > p. 7
Strength: 5/5
“India is the third largest producer of coal in the world after China and U.S.A, contributing about 5% of the total coal production. An examination of (Table 8.2) shows that in 1950–51 the total production of coal and lignite was 323 and 0.4 lakh tonnes which rose to 6319 and 612 lakh tonnes in 2015–16 respectively. The coal mines were nationalised in 1972, after which there had been a tremendous increase in the coal production (Table 8.2).”
Why relevant
Establishes that India is a major coal producer (third largest) and gives large coal production/reserve figures, implying substantial coal seam volume.
How to extend
A student could combine this with the basic fact that coalbed methane (CBM) is produced from coal seams to infer that large coal reserves increase the potential for CBM resources and then seek CBM-specific surveys for confirmation.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Classification > p. 1
Strength: 4/5
“Over 98% of the total coal reserves of India belong to the Gondwana Period (317433 million tonnes). The Gondwana coal is mainly bituminous or anthracite in which the carbon content varies between 60 to 90%. The bituminous coal is converted into coke before being used in the iron and steel industry. The Tertiary: Tertiary coal is found in the rocks of the Oligocene period of the Tertiary Era. It is about 15 to 60 million years old. The Tertiary coal is also known as the brown coal. The Tertiary coal contributes only about 2% of the total coal production of the country.”
Why relevant
States that over 98% of India's coal reserves belong to the Gondwana period and that this coal is mainly bituminous/anthracite (higher carbon content).
How to extend
Knowing CBM is commonly associated with coal seams (often Gondwana coals in India), a student could use this to hypothesize which coal types/regions are more likely to host CBM and then check geological CBM assessments.
NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Conventional Sources of Energy > p. 113
Strength: 4/5
“Coal: In India, coal is the most abundantly available fossil fuel. It provides a substantial part of the nation's energy needs. It is used for power generation, to supply energy to industry as well as for domestic needs. India is highly dependent on coal for meeting its commercial energy requirements. As you are already aware that coal is formed due the compression of plant material over millions of years. Coal, therefore, is found in a variety of forms depending on the degrees of compression and the depth and time of burial. Decaying plants in swamps produce peat. Which has a low carbon and high moisture contents and low heating capacity.”
Why relevant
Says coal is India's most abundantly available fossil fuel and is central to energy supply, highlighting the scale and importance of coal resources.
How to extend
A student could treat abundant coal as a necessary precondition for significant CBM potential and then look up targeted CBM exploration data to test whether that potential is realized.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > 1. Uneven distribution > p. 11
Strength: 4/5
“Te distribution of coal in India is highly uneven. Most of the good quality coal is confned to the states of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Tis involves high transportation coast to carry coal to the diferent parts of the country.”
Why relevant
Notes that coal distribution in India is highly uneven and lists the main states with good quality coal (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal).
How to extend
A student could combine this with a map to identify where CBM might be geographically concentrated and then compare with records of CBM exploration/fields in those states.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > COAL DEPOSITS OF THE TERTIARY PERIOD > p. 6
Strength: 3/5
“The Tertiary coal deposits came into existence during the Eocene, the Oligocene, and Miocene periods. Coal of this period is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir states. It is also known as brown coal. Containing more moisture, it has less carbon content. The total tertiary reserves of coal are 1588 million tonnes. Tamil Nadu: The state of Tamil Nadu has the largest deposits of lignite at Neyveli in the South Arcot district. The seams are 10 to 12 m in thickness. Its carbon and moisture contents are 30– 40% and 20%, respectively, while the volatile matter varies between 40 to 45%.”
Why relevant
Indicates that tertiary (lignite/brown) coal constitutes only a small portion (total tertiary reserves 1,588 million tonnes) and lists states where this occurs.
How to extend
Since CBM potential depends on coal seam type and maturity, a student could use this to focus CBM expectations on Gondwana (not tertiary) coal areas and then consult geological/maturity data to refine likelihood.
Statement 6
As of 2014, had shale gas resources been found in India?
Origin: Weak / unclear
Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Petroleum > p. 10
Strength: 5/5
“In India, the petroleum and natural gas has been discovered in the following ten basins: • 1. The Upper Assam Basin (60,000 sq km)• 2. The Western Bengal Basin (60,000 sq km)• 3. The Western Himalayan Basin (100,000 sq km)• 4. The Rajasthan Saurashtra-Kutch Basin (95,000 sq km)• 5. The Northern Gujarat Basin (140,000 sq km)• 6. The Ganga Valley Basin (385,000 sq km)• 7. The Coastal Tamil Nadu, Andhra & Kerala Basin (75,000 sq km)• 8. The Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Basin (2000 sq km)• 9. Offshore of the Khambat, Bombay High & Bassein (2000 sq km) The production trend of oil has been given in (Table 8.3).”
Why relevant
Lists the ten sedimentary basins in India where petroleum and natural gas have been discovered — these identify the kinds of basins where unconventional resources like shale gas might be sought.
How to extend
A student could map these basins against global shale-hosting sedimentary basins (using a world/regional geologic map) to assess which Indian basins are plausible targets for shale gas exploration.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > 4. The Eastern Coast Oil-fields > p. 13
Strength: 4/5
“Petroleum and natural gas have been discovered in marine delta regions of Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri rivers. The Rawa field in the Godavari-Krishna offshore is expected to produce about 3 million tonnes of crude-oil annually. Petroleum has also been discovered in the Kaveri delta. In addition to these, crude oil has been discovered in the Bilaspur Tehsil of Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh, Jawalamukhi area of Punjab, and in the Barmer district of Rajasthan. There are strong possibilities of petroleum and natural gas deposits to be found on the offshore of Andaman and Nicobar, Gulf of Mannar, Baleshwar coast, Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.”
Why relevant
Notes discoveries of petroleum and natural gas in delta/offshore regions and states, and explicitly states 'strong possibilities' of deposits offshore in several regions — indicating active exploration and potential for non-conventional finds.
How to extend
One could check exploration activity and well logs in the named basins (e.g., Godavari-Krishna) to see if shale sequences were targeted or identified by 2014.
NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Natural Gas > p. 115
Strength: 4/5
“Along the East Coast, new reserves of natural gas have been discovered in the Krishna-Godavari basin. The first 1,700 km long Hazira-Vijaipur-Jagdishpur (HVJ) cross country gas pipeline, constructed by GAIL (India), linked Mumbai High and Bassein gas fields with various fertilizer, power and industrial complexes in western and northen India. This artery provided impetus to Indian gas market development. Overall, India's gas infrastructure has expanded over ten times from 1,700 km to 18,500 km of cross-country pipelines and is expected to soon reach over 34, 000 km as Gas Grid by linking all gas sources and consuming markets across the country including North Eastern states.”
Why relevant
Mentions new reserves of natural gas discovered in the Krishna-Godavari basin and expansion of gas infrastructure — implying recent exploration successes in basins that could also host unconventional gas.
How to extend
Compare the timing/location of these recent discoveries with industry reports on shale assessments to judge whether shale gas was identified by 2014 in those areas.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE MESOZOIC ERA (THE GONDWANA SYSTEM) > p. 16
Strength: 3/5
“of Madhya Pradesh.
The Gondwana group begins with the Permo-Carboniferous period which, in the Standard Geologic Time Scale, is known as a period of coal formation (Fig. 1.6). The Lower Gondwana rocks are found in the Talcher, Panchet and Damuda series. Most of the good quality coal deposits (bituminous and anthracite) of India are found in Gondwana formations. Moreover, iron ore occurs in the iron-stone shales of Raniganj coal fields. In addition to coal and iron, kaolin, fireclay, sandstone and grits are also found in the Gondwana formations.”
Why relevant
Describes Gondwana (Mesozoic) formations and associated coal and organic-rich sediments; such sedimentary sequences can be source rocks for hydrocarbons and, in other countries, host unconventional gas.
How to extend
A student could use basic stratigraphic knowledge to ask whether organic-rich Gondwana shales occur in listed basins and whether these were evaluated for shale gas by 2014.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Natural Gas > p. 16
Strength: 3/5
“Natural gas production for the year 2014–15 was 36.62 Billion Cubic Metre. The trend of natural gas production in India has been shown in the following (Fig 8.6).”
Why relevant
Gives national production figures for natural gas for 2014–15, showing active gas production but no mention of shale — implying conventional gas dominated production at that time.
How to extend
One could infer that if shale gas had been a significant find by 2014 it might have been noted alongside production data, so checking contemporaneous production reports or surveys could help confirm presence/absence.
Pattern takeaway:
UPSC frequently swaps scientific definitions (e.g., describing LPG properties for Shale Gas). In resource geography, 'Zero potential' or 'No sources found' statements for a large, geologically diverse country like India are almost always incorrect.
How you should have studied
- [THE VERDICT]: Trap (Science Definition) + Current Affairs. Solvable via elimination of extreme statements.
- [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Non-conventional Energy Resources (CBM, Shale Gas, Gas Hydrates).
- [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. Natural Gas/CNG/LNG/CBM/Shale Gas = Mostly Methane (CH4). 2. LPG = Propane + Butane. 3. Fracking technology (Hydraulic Fracturing). 4. Major Indian Basins: Cambay, KG, Cauvery, Damodar (CBM). 5. Guar Gum (used in fracking).
- [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying fuels, memorize the dominant chemical component. 'Gas' in energy usually implies Methane. For resources, distinguish between 'Commercially Viable' (maybe no) and 'Geologically Found' (yes).
Concept hooks from this question
👉 Coal formation and coal seams (Gondwana, Damuda series)
💡 The insight
Understanding what coal seams are and how coal forms is directly relevant when assessing whether methane can originate from coal beds.
High-yield for physical geography and resource questions: explains distribution of coal deposits, seam thickness and types (useful for questions on energy resources and regional geology). Connects to topics on fossil fuel origin and regional coalfields; study via NCERT/textbook sections on coal formation and Gondwana/Damuda series.
📚 Reading List :
- Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Formation of coal and petroleum > p. 70
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > The Damuda Series > p. 17
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Table 8.2 > p. 7
🔗 Anchor: "Does the term "coalbed methane" refer to methane gas produced from coal seams (c..."
👉 Methane: generation processes and major sources
💡 The insight
Knowing natural and anthropogenic methane sources (anaerobic decomposition, livestock, natural gas leakages) helps evaluate claims about methane from different geological settings.
Relevant for climate-change and environment segments of UPSC: links greenhouse gases to origin processes and mitigation. Enables answering questions on emissions, source attribution, and policy implications; prepare by consolidating greenhouse-gas source lists and mechanisms.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 7: Climate Change > 2. greenhouse gases > p. 11
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > 17,3.3. Methane > p. 256
🔗 Anchor: "Does the term "coalbed methane" refer to methane gas produced from coal seams (c..."
👉 Coal occurrence and mining methods (surface vs underground seams)
💡 The insight
Coal occurrence (exposed vs concealed seams) and mining methods indicate where coalbeds lie and how they might interact with gases trapped in seams.
Useful for questions on resource extraction, environmental impacts, and regional development. Connects geology to mining economics and safety; revise through case studies of mining methods and coalfield descriptions.
📚 Reading List :
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > Fuel and Power > p. 264
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > Types of coal > p. 265
🔗 Anchor: "Does the term "coalbed methane" refer to methane gas produced from coal seams (c..."
👉 Methane as the dominant component of natural gas
💡 The insight
References state methane commonly makes up the large majority (e.g., 80–90%) of natural gas, highlighting that gaseous fuel streams are mixtures rather than pure single gases.
High-yield for energy and environment topics: helps answer questions on composition and uses of natural gas, distinctions between fuel types, and policy implications of leakage/emissions. Connects to questions on greenhouse gases and energy resources. Learn by memorising typical composition ranges and reading passages that contrast mixtures versus pure substances.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > natural gas as a Resource > p. 15
- Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > 17,3.3. Methane > p. 256
🔗 Anchor: "Is coalbed methane composed exclusively of methane (i.e., essentially pure metha..."
👉 Chemical identity of methane (CH4)
💡 The insight
Multiple references define methane chemically (formula CH4) and as a principal component of biogas/CNG, grounding what 'methane' means chemically versus gas-field mixtures.
Fundamental chemistry concept useful in environment and energy questions: knowing CH4 distinguishes methane from other hydrocarbons (ethane, propane) and supports reasoning about purity, combustion properties, and emissions. Best prepared by reviewing basic molecular formulas and common fuel mixtures.
📚 Reading List :
- Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.1 BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND > p. 60
- Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.2.2 Chains, Branches and Rings > p. 64
🔗 Anchor: "Is coalbed methane composed exclusively of methane (i.e., essentially pure metha..."
👉 Difference between gaseous hydrocarbon mixtures and solid coal composition
💡 The insight
Evidence contrasts natural gas as a mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons with methane dominant, while coal is described by carbon content and volatile matter—implying different physical forms and compositions.
Useful for comparative questions on fossil fuels (natural gas vs coal): explains why gas reservoirs yield hydrocarbon mixtures and coal is a solid carbon-rich fuel. Helps answer policy, resource distribution, and fuel-cleanliness questions. Prepare by comparing composition descriptions across sources and memorising key contrasts.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > natural gas as a Resource > p. 15
- Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Classification > p. 2
🔗 Anchor: "Is coalbed methane composed exclusively of methane (i.e., essentially pure metha..."
👉 Composition of natural gas (major hydrocarbons)
💡 The insight
Reference [1] lists the major constituents of natural gas (methane, ethane, propane, butane) and gives methane as the dominant component, directly relevant to claims that a gas is 'only' propane and butane.
High-yield for UPSC topics on energy resources and fossil fuels: knowing typical compositions (e.g., methane-dominant natural gas) helps evaluate statements about specific gas types and informs policy/environmental discussions. Study by memorising common constituent profiles and typical percentages; link to questions on energy production and resource classification.
📚 Reading List :
- Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > natural gas as a Resource > p. 15
🔗 Anchor: "Is shale gas a mixture composed only of propane and butane?"
Guar Gum. It is a critical ingredient in the 'fracking' fluid used to extract Shale Gas. India is the world's largest producer. (Note: UPSC actually asked about Guar Gum in Prelims 2015, the very next year).
Apply the 'Extreme Red Flag' filter. Statement 1 says 'mixture of propane and butane ONLY' (Scientific rigidity). Statement 2 says 'so far NO shale gas sources have been found' (Geographical impossibility given India's size and active exploration). Both extremes are likely false.
Energy Security vs. Water Stress (GS3). Shale gas extraction (fracking) is water-intensive. Linking this to India's groundwater crisis creates a perfect critical analysis point for Mains answers on energy policy.