Possible effects of a major solar storm on Earth and its systems
Question
If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1.
GPS and navigation systems could fail.
- 2.
Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
- 3.
Power grids could be damaged.
- 4.
Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
- 5.
Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
- 6.
Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
- 7.
Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Options
1, 2, 4 and 5 only
2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Explanation
Solar storms (geomagnetic storms) unleash massive electromagnetic interference. This scrambles GPS(1), induces currents that destroy power grids (3), pushes auroras toward the equator (4), expands the atmosphere thereby dragging satellites out of orbit (6), and completely blacks out high-frequency radio communications (7). However, they interact with magnetics, not terrestrial geology or surface friction—they cannot trigger tectonic tsunamis(2) or ignite physical forest fires (5).
Answer: (c).
Question details
Year
2022
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q40
Subject
Geography
Sub-topic
Climatology & Atmosphere
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Hard
Nature
Static
Source hint
Space Weather Prediction Center / Solar Maximum Geomagnetic Coronal Storms
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