UPSC Prelims 2025 · Question 13 of 100

UPSC Prelims 2025 question on Earth Rotation Shift Climate

Consider the following statements:

Statement I:
Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's rotation and axis.

Statement II:
Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth's outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy.

Statement III:
As the Earth's polar ice melts, the water tends to move towards the equator.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statements II and III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
  2. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
  3. Only one of the Statement II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
  4. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Show answer

Answer: B. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

Verdict

Both Statements II and III are correct but only Statement III explains Statement I → Option (b).

Statement by statement

Statement I – CORRECT: Scientific studies using over 120 years of data show a shift in Earth's rotation and axis, with days growing slightly longer.

Statement II – CORRECT: Solar flares and coronal mass ejections can bombard Earth's outermost atmosphere with tremendous energy. However, most energy is reflected by Earth's magnetic field and does not decisively affect Earth's rotation or axis — it causes heating of the thermosphere and disrupts communications. Hence Statement II does NOT explain Statement I.

Statement III – CORRECT: As polar ice melts, water redistribution shifts mass from poles toward the equatorial ocean, causing polar motion that shifts Earth's axis and slows rotation. Hence Statement III correctly explains Statement I.

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