Oxygen Production - Forests vs Oceans
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
Statements 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are correct. Statements 2 and 5 are incorrect.
Solar storms (geomagnetic storms) throw charged particles that violently disrupt the Earth's magnetic field. This cripples electromagnetic and radio infrastructure—like GPS, power grids, satellites, and shortwave communications—and creates intense auroras. However, they do not cause seismic events like tsunamis, nor do they ignite direct physical combustion like global forest fires.
Answer: (c).
Question details
Year
2025
Paper
GS Paper 1
Question
Q40
Subject
Environment
Sub-topic
Environmental Law & Institutions
Type
Statement-based
Difficulty
Medium
Nature
Static
Source hint
Extreme Space Weather Events / NOAA Solar Maximum Warnings 2024
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