UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2022

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:

  1. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
  2. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
  3. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
  4. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

Explanation

Solar storms can disrupt GPS/navigation (1), damage power grids (3), cause intense auroras (4), disturb satellite orbits (6), and interrupt polar shortwave radio communication (7). They do not cause tsunamis (2) or forest fires (5), which have no established causal link to solar flares.

Topics: gps power grids and satellites, science and technology, solar storms, space weather