If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? [2022]

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:

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

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

Solar storms, particularly solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can significantly affect the ionosphere, which is a layer of Earth’s atmosphere that influences radio signals and GPS systems. It can cause ionisation changes that disrupt the signals used by GPS satellites. This disruption can lead to inaccuracies in GPS positioning and navigation systems.

Diagram illustrating the structure of the sun with labeled layers including Core, Radiative Zone, Convective Zone, Photosphere, Chromosphere, and Corona. Highlights solar phenomena such as Solar Prominence, Solar Flare, Sunspots, and Coronal Mass Ejection using distinct color gradients and text labels.

Statement 2 is incorrect

Tsunamis result from seismic events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and underwater disturbances, not solar flares.

Statement 3 is correct

It can induce geomagnetic currents in Earth’s magnetic field, which can cause fluctuations in electrical grids. These geomagnetic induced currents (GICs) can overload transformers and other components of power grids, leading to potential damage, voltage instability, and even blackouts. The most notable example of this was the 1989 geomagnetic storm that caused a massive blackout in Quebec, Canada.

Statement 4 is correct

It increases the energy and density of charged particles entering Earth’s magnetosphere, which can intensify auroras (Northern and Southern Lights).

Diagram illustrating Northern Lights formation, showing Sun emitting solar flares and solar wind directed toward Earth. Earth's magnetic field is depicted with blue lines, guiding particles to poles where Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis occur, highlighted with labeled arrows and a small photo of aurora.

Statement 5 is incorrect

There is no direct evidence linking solar storms to increased risk of forest fires. Forest fires are usually caused by natural factors like lightning or human activities, not by solar activity.

Statement 6 is correct

It has the potential to interfere with delicate electronic components aboard satellites orbiting the Earth, leading to malfunctions in various systems.

Statement 7 is correct

It can disrupt high-frequency (HF) radio signals, which are used for communication with aircraft, particularly over polar regions. These regions are more susceptible to geomagnetic disturbances because they are close to the poles, where the Earth’s magnetic field lines converge. As a result, solar storms can cause degradation or loss of radio signals, affecting communications with aircraft flying in these areas.

PMFIAS Concept Hack

For solar storms, think of electromagnetic and satellite-related impacts, not geological or direct burning effects. So, GPS failure, power grid damage, auroras, satellite orbit disturbance, and polar radio disruption are possible. But tsunamis and forest fires over much of the planet are exaggerated and unrelated effects, so we can eliminate Statements 2 and 5.

Answer: (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

2022, PYQs