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. A. Both Statements II and III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
2. B. Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of the them explains Statement I
3. C. Only one of the Statement II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
4. D. Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

Answer: B

Explanation

Statement I is correct: Scientific studies, particularly those using over a century of data, confirm that melting ice and groundwater depletion are indeed causing shifts in Earth’s rotation and axis, leading to slightly longer days. Statement II is correct: Solar flares and coronal mass ejections do bombard Earth’s outermost atmosphere with significant energy, causing phenomena like auroras and disrupting communications. However, this energy primarily affects the thermosphere and magnetic field, and does not significantly influence Earth’s rotation or axis. Therefore, it does not explain Statement I. Statement III is correct: As polar ice melts, the water redistributes towards the equator. This shift in mass away from the poles, similar to a spinning ice skater extending their arms, causes the Earth’s rotation to slow down and its axis to shift. This directly explains Statement I. Thus, both Statements II and III are correct, but only Statement III explains Statement I. The impact of climate change on Earth’s physical processes is a key environmental topic for UPSC.