Multiple choice

Methane oxidising bacteria help in petroleum prospecting by

  1. producing methane in presence of petrol deposits

  2. producing methane in absence of petrol deposits

  3. oxidising the aliphatic hydrocarbon

  4. none of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Methane-oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) consume methane that reaches the soil surface. In areas without petroleum deposits, methane from deep geological sources reaches the surface and is consumed by methanotrophs, creating detectable methane anomalies. Where petroleum deposits exist, they act as barriers, reducing surface methane flux and methanotroph activity. This inverse relationship helps identify petroleum prospecting targets.

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