Previous Year Question
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
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. Solar storms can produce irregularities in the Earth’s ionosphere. GPS signals must pass through the ionosphere; therefore, their accuracy may deteriorate or navigation services may be temporarily disrupted.
Statement 2 is incorrect. Tsunamis are generally generated by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or landslides. Solar storms do not produce tsunamis in equatorial regions.
Statement 3 is correct. Geomagnetic storms can produce geomagnetically induced electric currents in long power-transmission lines. These can damage transformers and power grids and cause large-scale interruptions in electricity supply.
Statement 4 is correct. Charged particles arriving during a solar storm collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and produce auroras. During an extremely powerful storm, auroras can be observed far beyond their normal polar locations and extend into lower latitudes.
Statement 5 is incorrect. There is no established mechanism by which a major solar storm directly produces forest fires over most of the Earth. Therefore, it is not regarded as a normal possible effect.
Statement 6 is correct. Solar storms can heat and expand the upper atmosphere. This increases atmospheric drag on satellites in low-Earth orbit and can disturb their orbits.
Statement 7 is correct. X-rays and extreme ultraviolet radiation released by a solar flare affect the ionosphere. This can interrupt high-frequency or shortwave radio communication, which is particularly important for aircraft flying over polar routes.