Paragraph: When an international team of pumped a carbon dioxide
and water mix into underground basalt rocks, basic chemistry took over.
The acidic mixture dissolved rocks’ calcium and magnesium and formed limestone Basically carbon dioxide is converted into stone, exclaimed the scientists.
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the most logical, rational, and practical suggestion implied by the passage?
a) It is a cheap and practical method to produce limestone at commercial level for building purposes.
b) This can be used as one of the methods of carbon sequestration.
c) Basalt rock can be made a good source of calcium and magnesium minerals by this method.
d) Good rock-dissolving acid can be produced by mixing carbon dioxide and water.
Correct answer: b) This can be used as one of the methods of carbon sequestration.
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 CSAT
Explanation :
The passage describes CO2 being converted into limestone through a chemical reaction with basalt rocks. Among the options:
Option (b) is correct because the process shows a way to permanently store CO2 by converting it to stone – which is the definition of carbon sequestration. The other options either misinterpret the purpose (limestone production, mineral extraction) or focus on secondary aspects (acid formation) rather than the main practical application of storing carbon dioxide.
