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 :

The correct answer is Option 3 (1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only) because solar flares primarily impact the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere through electromagnetic radiation and charged particles.

• Statements 1, 3, 6, and 7: Solar storms cause geomagnetic disturbances that interfere with satellite electronics, disrupt GPS and shortwave radio communications (especially at poles), damage power grids via induced currents, and increase atmospheric drag, which disturbs satellite orbits.
• Statement 4: The interaction of solar particles with the atmosphere creates intense auroras, often visible at lower latitudes during major events.

Why 2 and 5 are incorrect: Tsunamis are seismic events caused by underwater earthquakes or landslides, not solar activity. While solar flares increase radiation, they do not directly trigger widespread forest fires, as the Earth's atmosphere protects the surface from such thermal ignition. Excluding 2 and 5 leads directly to Option 3.