If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
- GPS and navigation systems could fail.
- Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
- Power grids could be damaged.
- Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
- Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
- Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
- Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :
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
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
– Statement 2 (Tsunamis): Incorrect. Solar storms affect the space environment around Earth and the upper atmosphere, not geological processes that cause tsunamis.
– Statement 3 (Power grids): Correct. Geomagnetic storms can induce currents in long conductors like power lines, potentially damaging transformers and causing blackouts.
– Statement 4 (Auroras): Correct. Increased particle influx from solar storms enhances auroral displays, making them more intense and visible at lower latitudes than usual.
– Statement 5 (Forest fires): Incorrect. There is no direct link between solar storms and the ignition or spread of forest fires.
– Statement 6 (Satellite orbits): Correct. Increased heating of the upper atmosphere by particle influx causes it to expand, increasing drag on satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and affecting their trajectories.
– Statement 7 (Shortwave radio): Correct. Shortwave radio relies on reflection from the ionosphere. Solar storms can cause ionospheric disturbances (radio blackouts), especially affecting high-latitude regions where aircraft often use shortwave communication.