Q. Consider the following statements :
- Scientific studies suggest that a shift is taking place in the Earth's rotation and axis.
- Solar flares and associated coronal mass ejections bombarded the Earth's outermost atmosphere with tremendous amount of energy.
- 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? (UPSC Prelims 2025)
Answer:
Only one of the Statements 2 and 3 is correct and that explains Statement 1
Notes: The correct answer is
[C] Only one of the Statements 2 and 3 is correct and that explains Statement 1. This question explores the relationship between mass redistribution on Earth and its rotational dynamics.
- Statement 1 (Correct): Scientific research, including data from NASA, confirms that the Earth's rotational axis (the imaginary line it spins around) has been shifting. This phenomenon, known as polar wander, has seen a significant change in direction and speed over the last few decades.
- Statement 2 (Incorrect): While solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) do bombard the Earth's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere (causing auroras and potential GPS interference), they do not possess the mechanical force required to shift the Earth's rotational axis or significantly alter its rotation. The axis shift is driven by mass distribution within or on the Earth, not external solar wind.
- Statement 3 (Correct): This is the "figure skater effect." As polar ice caps and glaciers melt due to global warming, the resulting meltwater is redistributed by gravity and ocean currents. This mass moves from the high-latitude poles toward the equatorial bulge.
Explanation of the Link:
Statement 3 directly explains Statement 1. The movement of massive amounts of water from the poles to the equator changes the Earth's
moment of inertia. Just as a spinning figure skater slows down or shifts balance by moving their arms, the redistribution of water mass causes the Earth's axis to drift and its rotation speed to fluctuate slightly. Recent studies specifically highlight that the accelerated melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice has been a primary driver of the recent eastward shift in the North Pole's path.