Q19 · UPSC Prelims 2021 · Set A · Current Affairs and GK

← Q18 Q20 →

What is blue carbon?

A Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems
B Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils
C Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas
D Carbon present in atmosphere

Correct answer: (a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems

Explanation

  1. A

    Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems

    Carbon stored by oceans and coastal ecosystems. Mangroves, seagrass, salt marsh — blue carbon.

  2. B

    Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils

    Forests and soils. That is green / terrestrial carbon.

  3. C

    Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas

    Petroleum and gas. Fossil carbon.

  4. D

    Carbon present in atmosphere

    Atmospheric CO2. The stock in air, not ‘blue’.

Summary. Official key is (a). Blue carbon is carbon captured and stored in marine and coastal ecosystems — mangroves, tidal marshes, seagrass beds.