UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 94
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 :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only)
Explanation: Severe solar storms disturb the ionosphere and magnetosphere, impacting navigation, electric grids, satellites, auroras and polar HF radio; they do not directly create tsunamis or widespread fires.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. True / qualifies - Ionospheric disturbances can impair GPS and navigation accuracy.
2. False / does not qualify - Solar flares do not cause oceanic tsunamis in equatorial zones.
3. True / qualifies - Geomagnetically induced currents can damage electric power networks.
4. True / qualifies - Geomagnetic storms can produce bright auroras at unusually low latitudes.
5. False / does not qualify - A solar storm is not expected to ignite forest fires across much of Earth.
6. True / qualifies - Thermospheric heating/drag can disturb low-Earth-orbit satellite paths.
7. True / qualifies - HF/shortwave radio links on polar air routes can suffer blackouts.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-includes 2 even though Solar flares do not cause oceanic tsunamis in equatorial zones.; includes 5 even though A solar storm is not expected to ignite forest fires across much of Earth.; omits 3 even though Geomagnetically induced currents can damage electric power networks.; omits 6 even though Thermospheric heating/drag can disturb low-Earth-orbit satellite paths.; omits 7 even though HF/shortwave radio links on polar air routes can suffer blackouts.
B. Incorrect-includes 2 even though Solar flares do not cause oceanic tsunamis in equatorial zones.; includes 5 even though A solar storm is not expected to ignite forest fires across much of Earth.; omits 1 even though Ionospheric disturbances can impair GPS and navigation accuracy.; omits 4 even though Geomagnetic storms can produce bright auroras at unusually low latitudes.
C. Correct-selects exactly the correct statements/items identified above.
D. Incorrect-includes 2 even though Solar flares do not cause oceanic tsunamis in equatorial zones.; includes 5 even though A solar storm is not expected to ignite forest fires across much of Earth.