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 :

- Statement 1 (GPS): Correct. Solar storms can disrupt the ionosphere, through which GPS signals pass, causing navigation errors or outages. - Statement 2 (Tsunamis): Incorrect. Solar storms affect the space environment around Earth and the upper atmosphere, not geological processes that cause tsunamis. - Statement 3 (Power grids): Correct. Geomagnetic storms can induce currents in long conductors like power lines, potentially damaging transformers and causing blackouts. - Statement 4 (Auroras): Correct. Increased particle influx from solar storms enhances auroral displays, making them more intense and visible at lower latitudes than usual. - Statement 5 (Forest fires): Incorrect. There is no direct link between solar storms and the ignition or spread of forest fires. - Statement 6 (Satellite orbits): Correct. Increased heating of the upper atmosphere by particle influx causes it to expand, increasing drag on satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and affecting their trajectories. - Statement 7 (Shortwave radio): Correct. Shortwave radio relies on reflection from the ionosphere. Solar storms can cause ionospheric disturbances (radio blackouts), especially affecting high- latitude regions where aircraft often use shortwave communication.