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?
A
Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I
B
Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I
Correct Answer
C
Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I
D
Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct
Explanation
Option (B) is correct because while both Statement II and Statement III are scientifically accurate, only the redistribution of mass from melting polar ice (Statement III) explains the physical shift in Earth’s rotation and axis. Option (A) is incorrect because solar flares, though energetic, primarily impact the magnetosphere and atmosphere rather than the planet's rotational inertia or axial tilt. The core concept tested is Earth’s rotational dynamics and how climate-induced mass redistribution affects the planet's moment of inertia.
GeophysicsEarth's Rotation and AxisEarth's rotationEarth's axisSolar flaresCoronal mass ejectionsPolar ice meltMass redistribution