Which of the following is NOT a consequence of space weather events like solar flares and CMEs?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. Alteration of ocean currents.
While solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) release massive amounts of electromagnetic radiation and charged particles, their impact is primarily felt in the Earth's atmosphere and magnetosphere.
Why the others are consequences:
-
Satellite & Radio Disruption: High-energy particles ionize the upper atmosphere, interfering with signal transmission.
-
Power Grids: CMEs can induce powerful geomagnetic currents in the ground, overloading transformers and causing blackouts.
In contrast, ocean currents are driven by Earth's rotation, wind patterns, and thermohaline circulation (temperature and salinity), which remain unaffected by solar storms.