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Q68 (IAS/2023) Environment & Ecology › Climate Change & Global Initiatives › Carbon sequestration and storage Official Key

Consider the following activities : 1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively 2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime 3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?

Result
Your answer:  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (All three) because each activity represents a scientifically recognized method for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) or carbon dioxide removal (CDR).

  • Activity 1 (Enhanced Weathering): Spreading ground basalt on soil accelerates natural chemical weathering. Basalt reacts with atmospheric CO2 to form stable carbonates, effectively locking carbon in the soil and oceans for millennia.
  • Activity 2 (Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement): Adding alkaline substances like lime (calcium oxide) to oceans neutralizes acidity and enhances the water's capacity to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through chemical equilibrium.
  • Activity 3 (Geological Sequestration): Pumping carbonated water (CO2 dissolved in water) into subterranean sites, such as basaltic formations or abandoned mines, facilitates "mineral carbonation." Projects like Iceland's Carbfix demonstrate that CO2 injected this way reacts with host rocks to turn into solid minerals.

Since all three techniques are actively discussed in climate mitigation strategies to reduce atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, Option 3 is the most comprehensive and accurate choice.

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Q. Consider the following activities : 1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively 2. Increasing the alkalinity of oce…
At a glance
Origin: Mostly Current Affairs Fairness: Low / Borderline fairness Books / CA: 0/10 · 6.7/10

This question tests 'Frontier Climate Tech'—specifically Geoengineering and Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). It punishes reliance on static textbooks (which only cover basic afforestation/CCS) and rewards aspirants who track 'Climate Solutions' in science news (DownToEarth, The Hindu S&T, IPCC reports).

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
Is spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmland (enhanced weathering) commonly discussed as a carbon capture and sequestration method?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 4/5
"This “enhanced weathering” could theoretically increase CO2 sequestration in the ocean. spreading finely ground alkaline substances over the open ocean"
Why this source?
  • Explicitly uses the term “enhanced weathering” in the context of spreading finely ground minerals to increase CO2 sequestration.
  • Describes the specific action of “spreading finely ground alkaline substances” as a method for increasing ocean CO2 uptake, showing enhanced-weathering concepts are discussed as carbon removal.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"Principle of marine enhanced rock weathering (mERW) ... finely ground particles of a fast-weathering silicate mineral (e.g., olivine) are spread in the coastal zone."
Why this source?
  • Describes marine enhanced rock weathering (mERW) where finely ground silicate minerals are spread in coastal zones to release alkalinity.
  • Shows the enhanced-weathering approach (spreading ground silicates) is discussed as a means to enhance alkalinity and thus carbon sequestration — albeit in marine/coastal settings rather than farmland.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Geomorphic Processes > Chemical Weathering Processes > p. 40
Strength: 5/5
“A group of weathering processes viz; solution, carbonation, hydration, oxidation and reduction act on the rocks to decompose, dissolve or reduce them to a fine clastic state through chemical reactions by oxygen, surface and/or soil water and other acids. Water and air (oxygen and carbon dioxide) along with heat must be present to speed up all chemical reactions. Over and above the carbon dioxide present in the air, decomposition of plants and animals increases the quantity of carbon dioxide underground. These chemical reactions on various minerals are very much similar to the chemical reactions in a laboratory.”
Why relevant

Describes chemical weathering processes driven by water, CO2 and acids that decompose rocks to finer material — establishing that weathering reactions involve atmospheric CO2.

How to extend

A student could combine this with the basic fact that some silicate rocks react with CO2 when weathered to infer that deliberately increasing rock surface area (grinding basalt) might increase CO2 uptake.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 6: Geomorphic Movements > Chemical Weathering > p. 90
Strength: 4/5
“• Chemical weathering involves the chemical decomposition of rocks and soil due to the loosening of bonds between grains. The processes include dissolution, solution, carbonation, hydration, oxidation, and reduction. These weathering processes are interrelated and go hand in hand and hasten the weathering process.• Acids produced by microbial and plant-root metabolism, water and air (oxygen and carbon dioxide) along with heat speed up all chemical reactions.”
Why relevant

Explains that chemical weathering (including carbonation) is accelerated by water, CO2 and biological acids, implying weathering can be enhanced by environmental contact.

How to extend

One could extend this to ask whether spreading fine rock on soil increases contact with water/CO2 and therefore enhances CO2-consuming weathering reactions.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY > BiogEochEmical cyclEs. > p. 18
Strength: 4/5
“Te cycling, at various scales, of minerals and compounds through the ecosystem is known as biogeochemical cycle. Te cycles (carbon cycle and nitrogen cycle) involve phases of weathering of rocks, uptake and storage by organisms and return to the pool of the soil, the atmosphere or ocean sediments. Te biogeochemistry of carbon has attracted particular attention because of the concern of global warming and greenhouse efects.”
Why relevant

States that biogeochemical cycles include phases of weathering of rocks and that the carbon cycle is tied to weathering processes.

How to extend

A student might link this to the idea that altering the weathering phase (more reactive rock exposed) could influence carbon flow from atmosphere into minerals or soils.

Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon SInK. > p. 57
Strength: 3/5
“A carbon sink is anything that absorbs more carbon than that it releases, while a carbon source is anything that releases more carbon than is absorbed. Forests, soils, oceans, water-bodies, and atmosphere all store carbon and this carbon moves between them in a continuous cycle. Tis constant movement of carbon means that forests act as sources or sinks at diferent times. In other words, a carbon sink is natural or artifcial reservoir that accumulates and stores some carbon-containing chemical compounds for an indefnite period. Te artifcial sinks are (i) landflls, and (ii) carbon capture and storage proposals.”
Why relevant

Defines artificial carbon sinks and lists carbon capture and storage proposals as an approach to store carbon for indefinite periods.

How to extend

Use this to frame enhanced weathering as a candidate 'artificial sink' hypothesis to investigate in literature or policy discussions.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > zr.r.r. Sinks > p. 281
Strength: 3/5
“• r Carbon sequestration may be carried out by pumping carbon into'carbon sinks'* an area that absorbs cafbon. • r Natural sinks Oceans, forests, soil etc.• e Artificial sinks Depleted oil reserves, unmineable mines, etc.• r Carbon capture has actuaily been in use for years. The oil and gas industries have used carbon capture for decades as a way to enhance oi1 and gas recovery. Only recently have we started lhinking about capturing carbon for environmental reasons.”
Why relevant

Notes carbon capture/ sequestration is an established category of mitigation and that artificial sinks (besides natural ones) are considered strategies.

How to extend

This supports searching within carbon-capture topics for specific methods (e.g., enhanced weathering of rocks) as potential proposals under that umbrella.

Statement 2
Is increasing ocean alkalinity by adding lime (ocean liming / alkalinity enhancement) commonly discussed as a carbon capture and sequestration method?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Kheshgi [1995] first proposed adding lime (CaO) or portlandite (Ca(OH)2) to the surface ocean."
Why this source?
  • Clearly identifies ocean liming — adding lime (CaO) or portlandite (Ca(OH)2) — as a proposed intervention.
  • Describes specific schemes explored for adding lime to the surface ocean, linking the method to intentional intervention in ocean chemistry.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Ocean alkalinity enhancement is an approach to carbon removal that involves adding alkaline substances to seawater to accelerate the ocean’s natural carbon sink."
Why this source?
  • Explicitly frames ocean alkalinity enhancement as an mCDR (marine carbon dioxide removal) approach.
  • Describes the mechanism: adding alkalinity to convert dissolved inorganic CO2 into bicarbonates, tying the method to carbon removal.
Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Interest in ocean liming (and more generally ocean alkalinity for carbon storage) was reinvigorated around debates about geoengineering."
Why this source?
  • States that interest in ocean liming and ocean alkalinity for carbon storage has been the subject of technoeconomic reexamination.
  • Connects ocean liming explicitly to carbon storage and debates about geoengineering, indicating it is discussed in the carbon removal context.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > zt.r.2. $rpes of Sequestration: > p. 281
Strength: 4/5
“• There are number of technologies under investigation for sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. These can be discussed under three main categories: • Ocean Sequestration: Carbon stored in oceans through direct injection or fertilization. • Geologic Sequestration: Natural pore spaces in geologic formations serve as reservoirs for long-term carbon dioxide storage. • Terrestrial Sequestration: A large amount of carbon is stored in soils and vegetation, which are our natural carbon sinks.”
Why relevant

Lists 'Ocean Sequestration' as a category of carbon sequestration, including direct injection or fertilization, indicating oceans are considered a potential carbon storage route.

How to extend

A student could take this category and look for where 'alkalinity enhancement' or 'liming' is discussed within ocean sequestration literature as a specific technique.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.r5.7. Control Measures: > p. 106
Strength: 5/5
“Reducing or eliminating the sources of poilution by • r Buffering - the practice of adding a neutralizing agent to the acidified water to increase the pH is one of the important control measures. Usually lime in the form of calcium oxide and calcium carbonate is used. • r Reducing the emission of SO<sub>2</sub> from power stations by burning less fossil fuel, using alternate energy sources like tidal, wind, hydropower etc., • . using low sulphur fuel; • r desulphurization • r decreasing emission of NO<sub>x</sub> from power stations and • r Modification of engines r Neutralizing it and using it in the manufacture of other products.”
Why relevant

Describes 'buffering' by adding lime (calcium oxide/calcium carbonate) to neutralize acidified water — showing lime raises pH and reacts with dissolved CO2 in aquatic contexts.

How to extend

A student could infer that adding lime to seawater would similarly increase alkalinity and then check whether this reaction would convert dissolved CO2 into carbonate forms for storage.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 18: Ocean Acidification > How it reacts? > p. 264
Strength: 5/5
“The term 'ocean acidification' summarizes several processes that occur when CO eacts with sea water. Two reactions are particularly important. Firstly, the formation of carbonic acid with subsequent release of hydrogen ions: CO 2 + H 2 O (Carbon dioxide) + (Water) (Carbonic acid) (Hydrogen ions) + (Bicarbonate ions) lag*t artrrtrrtlr rrtr, The above reaction and release of hydrogens increases acidity and thus pH level is reduced. A second reaction, between carbonate ions, CO extsuperscript{2} and water produces bicarbonate ions. The combined effect of both these reactions not only increases acidity but also lowers the availability of carbonate ions.”
Why relevant

Explains the chemical reactions of CO2 with seawater producing carbonic acid, bicarbonate and reducing carbonate ions — laying out the chemical basis that altering carbonate chemistry changes CO2 speciation.

How to extend

Combine this reaction knowledge with lime's neutralizing effect to assess whether added alkalinity would shift equilibria toward bicarbonate/carbonate and thereby affect CO2 uptake/storage.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 18: Ocean Acidification > UPWELLING > p. 265
Strength: 4/5
“The first boundary between these two states is known as the lysocline, the depth at which dissolution strongly increases in the deep ocean. The CaCO<sub>2</sub> in the form of dead shells sink to the sea bed. If it is of shallow water depth, the majority is buried in the sediment and trapped for a long time. But where the shells sink in deep water nearly all the CaCO<sub>2</sub> is dissolved, thereby not locking the carbon away for millions of years. The current increased rate of dissolution of atmospheric CO<sub>2</sub> into the ocean results in an imbalance in the carbonate compensation depth (CCD), the depth at which all carbonate is dissolved.”
Why relevant

Notes that CaCO3 (from shells) sinking to sediments can be buried and 'locked away' or dissolved at depth, implying that formation and fate of calcium carbonate affects long-term carbon storage in the ocean.

How to extend

A student could use this to judge whether lime-induced carbonate precipitation would lead to durable sequestration (burial) versus re-release by dissolution depending on depth/CCD.

Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Changes Around Us: Physical and Chemical > Fig. 5.2: Blowing air in (a) tap water; (b) lime water > p. 61
Strength: 4/5
“Calcium hydroxide + Carbon dioxide Calcium carbonate + Water (Lime water) (Insoluble substance) The turning of lime water milky is also used as a test for carbon dioxide. Let us explore this with another activity using some substances from our kitchen.”
Why relevant

Shows the concrete reaction: calcium hydroxide (lime) reacts with CO2 to form calcium carbonate and water, an example of lime capturing CO2 in a solid form.

How to extend

A student could extrapolate that adding lime to seawater might similarly convert dissolved CO2 into solid carbonate, then investigate whether that process is discussed as a CCS method.

Statement 3
Is capturing carbon dioxide from industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated water commonly discussed as a carbon capture and sequestration method?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > 21.1. CARBON SEQUESTRATTON: > p. 281
Strength: 5/5
“• Carbon capture and storage, also known as CCS or carbon sequestration, describes the technologies designed to tackle global warming by capturing CO₂ at power stations, industrial sites or even directly from the air and permanently storing it underground. • Carbon sequestration describes long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer global warming.”
Why relevant

Defines Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as capturing CO₂ at industrial sites and permanently storing it underground.

How to extend

A student could ask whether 'underground storage' in CCS literature includes abandoned mines (vs. dedicated saline aquifers) to judge if mine injection is commonly discussed.

Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > Geologic Sequestration Trapping Mechanisms > p. 282
Strength: 5/5
“• Mineral Carbonation: Carbon dioxide can react with the minerals, fluids, and organic matter to form stable compounds or minerals; largely calcium, iron, and magnesium carbonates. • CO² can be effectively stored in the earth's subsurface by geodynamic trapping and solubility trapping - usually a combination of both is most effective.”
Why relevant

Describes geologic sequestration mechanisms, including solubility trapping and mineral carbonation, showing CO₂ can be stored in subsurface fluids and minerals.

How to extend

Use this to evaluate if injecting CO₂ as dissolved/carbonated water into subterranean voids could achieve solubility or mineral trapping in mines.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 6: Geomorphic Movements > Carbonation – Natural Solution Weathering > p. 90
Strength: 4/5
“• Carbonation refers to reactions of carbon dioxide to give carbonates, bicarbonates, and carbonic acid.• Carbonation weathering is a process in which atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to solution weathering. As rain falls, it dissolves small amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, forming a weak acid that can dissolve some minerals like limestone (calcium carbonate) (solution weathering).• When carbonic acid reacts with limestone, it produces calcium bicarbonate, partially soluble in water (dissolution weathering).• Caves are formed when underground water containing carbonic acid travels through blocks of limestone, dissolves out the limestone, and leaves empty pockets (caves) behind (E.g. Karst topography).• Carbonation process speeds up with a decrease in temperature because colder water holds more dissolved carbon dioxide gas.”
Why relevant

Explains 'carbonation' chemistry: CO₂ dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, bicarbonates and carbonates that react with calcium-bearing rocks.

How to extend

Combine with knowledge that many mines intersect rock (e.g., limestone) to assess chemical consequences and feasibility of injecting carbonated water into mines.

FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Landforms and their Evolution > Depositional Landforms > p. 53
Strength: 4/5
“Many depositional forms develop within the limestone caves. The chief chemical in limestone is calcium carbonate which is easily soluble in carbonated water (carbon dioxide absorbed rainwater). This calcium carbonate is deposited when the water carrying it in solution evaporates or loses its carbon dioxide as it trickles over rough rock surfaces.”
Why relevant

Notes that limestone is soluble in carbonated water and that carbonated water transports and deposits calcium carbonate in caves.

How to extend

A student could infer that injecting carbonated water into mines in carbonate rock could dissolve or precipitate minerals, affecting storage security and commonality of the approach.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 17: Major Landforms and Cycle of Erosion > Chemistry Behind Karst Landforms > p. 227
Strength: 3/5
“• In its pure state, limestone is made up of calcium carbonate, but where magnesium is also present, it is termed dolomite. Limestone is an organically formed sedimentary rock (formed by the decomposition of calcareous shells) and is soluble in rainwater. The carbonic acid that causes karstic features is formed as rain passes through the atmosphere picking up carbon dioxide. Once the rain reaches the ground, it may pass through soil that can provide much more carbon dioxide to form a weak carbonic acid solution, which dissolves calcium carbonate (limestone).”
Why relevant

Discusses formation of carbonic acid from atmospheric CO₂ and its role in dissolving limestone (karst processes), illustrating natural analogues of CO₂-rich water reacting underground.

How to extend

Use this natural example to evaluate whether engineered injection of CO₂-laden water into underground cavities is analogous and thus plausible to find in CCS discussions.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC validates 'Experimental Science'. If a method is scientifically sound and discussed in policy papers (even if not yet commercially viable), it counts as 'considered'. Do not dismiss technologies just because they seem futuristic or expensive.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Current Affairs Sitter. These are not obscure theories; they are the headline 'Geoengineering' proposals found in the IPCC AR6 report and major science dailies.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Mitigation Strategies > Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). The syllabus has shifted from 'How Global Warming happens' to 'Engineering solutions to fix it'.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Map the Geoengineering Tree: 1) Solar Radiation Management (Stratospheric Aerosol Injection, Marine Cloud Brightening, Space Mirrors); 2) CDR (Ocean Iron Fertilization, Enhanced Weathering, Biochar, BECCS, Direct Air Capture). Know the *mechanism* (e.g., Iron -> Algae -> CO2 sink).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When reading about a new climate tech (e.g., 'Iceland turns CO2 into stone'), extract the *process*. Don't just memorize the project name (CarbFix); memorize the method (Basalt + CO2 water = Mineralization). That is Statement 3.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a mitigation strategy
💡 The insight

CCS is a principal mitigation approach listed alongside emission reductions and is presented as an artificial method to store carbon long-term.

High-yield for questions on climate mitigation policy and technologies; links to energy, industry and land-use topics. Knowing CCS helps answer questions on technological vs behavioural mitigation options and policy measures.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions > p. 256
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > zr.r.r. Sinks > p. 281
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon SInK. > p. 57
🔗 Anchor: "Is spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmland (enhanced weathering) commonl..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Natural versus artificial carbon sinks
💡 The insight

Carbon sinks can be natural (forests, soils, oceans) or artificial (landfills, engineered carbon storage) and determine where captured carbon is stored.

Essential for questions on carbon budgeting, ecosystem services and restoration policies; clarifies trade-offs between conserving ecosystems and deploying engineered storage solutions. Enables comparisons in MCQ and mains answers about permanence and scale of sinks.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon SInK. > p. 57
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > zr.r.r. Sinks > p. 281
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 2: Functions of an Ecosystem > L) The Carbon Cycle > p. 19
🔗 Anchor: "Is spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmland (enhanced weathering) commonl..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Chemical weathering in the carbon cycle
💡 The insight

Chemical weathering processes move carbon between atmosphere, soils and oceans by converting CO2 into dissolved carbonates and other minerals.

Useful for bridging physical geography and climate topics; explains geochemical pathways that underpin concepts like long-term carbon sequestration and land-based mitigation ideas. Prepares aspirants for questions linking geomorphic processes to biogeochemical cycles.

📚 Reading List :
  • FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Geomorphic Processes > Chemical Weathering Processes > p. 40
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 1: BASIC CONCEPTS OF ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY > BiogEochEmical cyclEs. > p. 18
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 2: Functions of an Ecosystem > L) The Carbon Cycle > p. 19
🔗 Anchor: "Is spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmland (enhanced weathering) commonl..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Ocean carbonate chemistry & acidification
💡 The insight

Uptake of atmospheric CO2 by seawater forms carbonic acid, increases hydrogen ion concentration and reduces carbonate ion availability, driving ocean acidification.

High-yield for environment and climate questions: explains why CO2 impacts marine life (shell formation, corals) and links chemistry to ecological consequences. Useful for questions on impacts of climate change, ocean ecosystems, and policy measures addressing acidification.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 18: Ocean Acidification > 18.I. OCEAN ACIDIFICATION > p. 263
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 18: Ocean Acidification > How it reacts? > p. 264
🔗 Anchor: "Is increasing ocean alkalinity by adding lime (ocean liming / alkalinity enhance..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Chemical reaction of lime with CO2 (liming chemistry)
💡 The insight

Calcium hydroxide (lime) reacts with carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate and water, showing a chemical pathway for neutralizing CO2 in aqueous systems.

Important for connecting basic chemical reactions to mitigation options: helps reason about buffering, neutralization, and potential permanence of carbon stored as carbonate. Useful in interdisciplinary questions linking chemistry and environmental mitigation.

📚 Reading List :
  • Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Changes Around Us: Physical and Chemical > Fig. 5.2: Blowing air in (a) tap water; (b) lime water > p. 61
  • Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 8: Nature of Matter: Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures > Activity 8.1: Let us experiment > p. 119
  • Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts > 2.1.6 Reaction of a Non-metallic Oxide with Base > p. 22
🔗 Anchor: "Is increasing ocean alkalinity by adding lime (ocean liming / alkalinity enhance..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Categories of carbon sequestration and ocean interventions
💡 The insight

Carbon sequestration approaches include ocean methods (e.g., direct injection, fertilization), geologic storage, and terrestrial sinks; chemical buffering (adding lime) is used to raise pH in acidified waters.

Valuable for framing answers on mitigation strategies: distinguishes broad sequestration categories and situates ocean-based options within policy debates. Enables comparative questions on pros/cons of sequestration routes and environmental trade-offs.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > zt.r.2. $rpes of Sequestration: > p. 281
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 5: Environmental Pollution > S.r5.7. Control Measures: > p. 106
🔗 Anchor: "Is increasing ocean alkalinity by adding lime (ocean liming / alkalinity enhance..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) — capture and underground storage
💡 The insight

CCS is the set of technologies that capture CO₂ from power plants or industry and store it underground to mitigate global warming.

High-yield for UPSC because CCS is a core mitigation strategy in climate policy questions and links energy, industry, and environmental governance. Mastery helps answer questions on mitigation options, techno-policy trade-offs, and national strategies for emissions reduction.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > 21.1. CARBON SEQUESTRATTON: > p. 281
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 17: Climate Change > Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions > p. 256
🔗 Anchor: "Is capturing carbon dioxide from industries and pumping it into abandoned subter..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Ocean Iron Fertilization. This is the logical sibling to Ocean Liming (Statement 2). It involves adding iron to iron-poor ocean regions to stimulate phytoplankton blooms, which absorb CO2 and sink. Expect a question on its ecological risks (e.g., toxic algal blooms).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Scientific Plausibility' Heuristic. In 'Future Tech' questions, ask: Is the underlying science real? Basalt weathers naturally to absorb CO2 (Statement 1). Lime is a base that neutralizes acid/CO2 (Statement 2). If the chemistry works, the method is definitely 'discussed' by scientists. Trust the science; mark 'All three'.

🔗 Mains Connection

Bridge to Mains GS-2 (IR) & GS-4 (Ethics): 'Geoengineering Governance'. If Country A sprays aerosols to cool itself but disrupts the Monsoon for Country B, it creates a geopolitical conflict. Who has the right to touch the global thermostat?

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Consider the following 1. Photosynthesis 2. Respiration 3. Decay of organic matter 4. Volcanic action Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth ?