Chapter 18 Case Study Questions

What is one reason researchers like Katey Walter Anthony study methane emissions?

• To develop new mining techniques for extracting methane

• To understand how methane contributes to climate change

• To promote the use of coal over methane

• To prevent the use of methane as a fuel source

How does using methane as a fuel source benefit the environment?

• It eliminates the need for fossil fuels altogether

• It reduces demand for other fossil fuels, lowering mining and burning impacts

• It creates more greenhouse gases than coal or natural gas

• It prevents permafrost from melting

What is the purpose of digesters on dairy farms?

• To increase methane emissions into the atmosphere

• To convert manure into methane gas for energy use

• To store excess manure for future disposal

• To prevent livestock from producing methane

What makes methane clathrate, or "fire ice," a challenging energy source to extract?

• It is only found in extremely hot regions

• Extracting it could disrupt the ocean floor and worsen global warming

• It is too expensive to burn as a fuel

• It produces less energy than coal or oil

What are the potential risks and benefits of using methane seeps as an energy source?

• Methane seeps are unlimited energy sources with no environmental risks

• While they offer a new source of methane, extracting them could cause methane leaks and environmental disruption

• They can be mined easily and safely without any technological challenges

• Methane seeps are only found on land, making them easy to extract

What is a potential environmental impact of extracting methane?

• It reduces carbon emissions

• It could cause methane leaks and environmental disruption

• It improves air quality

• It has no impact on the environment.