Question

Name the gas released from landfills, decaying organic matter under shallow water in marshes and bogs, flooded paddy fields, by ruminant animals and termites, and by the burning of biomass. A molecule of this gas has many times more global warming potential than a molecule of $C{O}_2$.

• A. Sulphur dioxide
• B. Methane
• C. Ammonia
• D. Nitrous oxide

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Methane

Methane is an important greenhouse gas which has a shorter atmospheric lifetime of 12 years in comparison to 30-95 years of carbon dioxide. Over a span of 20 years, methane has 84 times more global warming potential than carbon dioxide. It is released from landfills, decaying organic matter under shallow water, paddy fields, by animals and termites, burning of biomass among other sources.