Answer & solution
Answer: (b) 1,2,3, and 4 all of these
The correct answer is 1, 2, 3, and 4 all of these . A solar storm, also known as a geomagnetic storm, occurs when charged particles from the Sun interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. This can disrupt GPS signals by disturbing the ionosphere, which affects satellite-based navigation systems. Power transmission systems are highly vulnerable because geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) can overload transformers and lead to large-scale blackouts. Submarine communication cables , though shielded, have repeaters powered electrically, which can be disturbed by geomagnetic variations. Pipeline infrastructure can also suffer because GICs can accelerate corrosion in long pipelines, making them unsafe over time. Thus, all four systems—GPS accuracy, power grids, submarine cables, and pipelines—can be adversely affected during strong solar storms, as seen in historical events like the 1989 Quebec blackout and the Carrington Event of 1859.