Study on biogenic methane hydrate in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin conducted
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Mineral & Energy Resources
In news
Recently, a study on biogenic methane hydrate in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin was conducted by the researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI).
They have identified the methanogens that produced the biogenic methane trapped as methane hydrate.
Methane hydrate can be a significant source of energy.
This study revealed maximum methanogenic diversity in the KG basin in comparison to the Andaman and Mahanadi basins.
Important value additions
Methane Hydrate
Methane hydrate is a crystalline solid that consists of a methane molecule surrounded by a cage of interlocking water molecules.
It only occurs naturally as ‘ice’ in subsurface deposits where temperature and pressure conditions are favourable for its formation.
It becomes unstable if the ice is removed from its environment.
Other names: Methane clathrate, methane ice, fire ice, natural gas hydrate, and gas hydrate.
Most methane hydrate deposits also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbon hydrates.
Krishna-Godavari Basin
It is an extensive deltaic plain formed by two large east coast rivers, Krishna and Godavari
Location: Andhra Pradesh and the adjoining areas of Bay of Bengal.
The site is known for the D-6 block with the biggest natural gas reserves in India.
