UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

Consider the following statements: Statement I: Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's rotation and axis. Statement II: Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections have bombarded the Earth's outermost atmosphere with a huge amount of energy. Statement III: As the Earth's polar ice melts, the tendency of water is to move towards the equator. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

Explanation

Both solar flares/coronal mass ejections impacting the outer atmosphere (Statement II) and the redistribution of meltwater from polar ice towards the equator (Statement III) are real phenomena, but it is primarily the melting polar ice and redistribution of mass towards the equator that has been scientifically linked to observed shifts in Earth's rotation and axis (polar motion), so only Statement III explains Statement I, while Statement II is a separate, unrelated fact.

Topics: earth's rotation, geography, science