Q40.
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:
Answer
C
Explanation
Solar flares are outbursts of electromagnetic radiation, not fires — they will NOT cause forest fires (Statement 5 is incorrect). Tsunami is a purely seismic phenomenon caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions — NOT by solar flares (Statement 2 is incorrect). Statements 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 are correct: Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) can cause GPS/navigation failure, damage power grids by inducing electric fluctuations, create intense auroras closer to the equator, disturb satellite orbits, and disrupt shortwave radio communication over polar regions.