Question

Name two regions in the world rich in natural gas resources.

Answer 1

Hint: Natural gas is a fossil energy source naturally occurring as a hydrocarbon mixture. It consists primarily of methane, and other high alkanes, with a small percentage of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide or helium. They have been formed over millions of years as thick layers of animal and plant remains on the earth’s surface and ocean floors, mixed with sand, silt, and calcium carbonate. It is a non-renewable source of energy which means that once replenished it takes a very long time to form. It is used as an energy source for cooking, heating, fuel, electricity generation and in the manufacture of plastics.

Complete answer: Nearly 80% of the world's total proven natural gas reserves are located in ten countries. According to the US EIA, Russia has the largest reserves of natural gas which is nearly 25% of the world’s total reserves. Other countries include Iran, Qatar, the UK and the Netherlands. Seismic surveys are used on land and in the ocean to find the right places to drill natural gas and oil wells. After a potential site has been tested with an exploratory well, processing plants are set up and the process of hydraulic fracturing or fracking is used to drill natural gas.

Note: Natural gas formed in large cracks and spaces between layers of overlying rock is called conventional natural gas while the other kind of process is in which natural gas is found in tiny pores within some formations of shale, sandstone, and other types of sedimentary rock. This is called unconventional natural gas. Natural gas emits 20-25% less carbon dioxide than oil and 40-45% less than coal when combusted in a new, efficient natural gas power plant.