If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth ? 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. Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
- (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
- (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Why the answer is (c)
• A major solar storm sends bursts of X-rays and charged particles that disturb the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere.
• Effects include failure of GPS and navigation signals (1), damage to power grids through geomagnetically induced currents, as in Quebec in 1989 (3), intense auroras extending to low latitudes (4), drag and disturbance of satellite orbits (6), and blackout of high-frequency shortwave radio, especially over the poles where aircraft rely on it (7).
• Solar storms have no effect on ocean floors or vegetation, so tsunamis (2) and forest fires (5) are not possible outcomes.
• The 1859 Carrington Event is the benchmark for such storms.
• Hence 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
- Tsunamis and forest fires are not caused by solar storms; grid damage and satellite effects are.
- (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
- Tsunamis and forest fires are not solar-storm effects; GPS failure and auroras are.
- (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
- Items 2 and 5 are not possible effects.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.