How does solar weather affect Earth's magnetosphere? Select the two correct answers.(1 point)
Responses
It generates auroras.
It generates auroras.
It forms radiation belts.
It forms radiation belts.
It develops solar wind.
It develops solar wind.
It causes geomagnetic storms.
It causes geomagnetic storms.
The correct answers are:
- It develops solar wind.
- It causes geomagnetic storms.
Which describes a difference between solar wind and a geomagnetic storm? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)
Responses
Geomagnetic storms are constant; solar wind occurs only occasionally.
Geomagnetic storms are constant; solar wind occurs only occasionally.
Geomagnetic storms occur only occasionally; solar wind is constant.
Geomagnetic storms occur only occasionally; solar wind is constant.
Geomagnetic storms travel at the speed of light, while solar wind takes four days to reach Earth.
Geomagnetic storms travel at the speed of light, while solar wind takes four days to reach Earth.
Geomagnetic storms are associated with CMEs; solar wind is associated with the constant activity in the sun.
Geomagnetic storms are associated with CMEs; solar wind is associated with the constant activity in the sun.
Solar wind sometimes results in geomagnetic storms; geomagnetic storms do not cause solar wind.
The correct answers are:
- Geomagnetic storms occur only occasionally; solar wind is constant.
- Geomagnetic storms are associated with CMEs; solar wind is associated with the constant activity in the sun.
- Solar wind sometimes results in geomagnetic storms; geomagnetic storms do not cause solar wind.
The correct answers are:
1. It generates auroras.
2. It causes geomagnetic storms.
The correct answers are:
1. It forms radiation belts.
2. It causes geomagnetic storms.
To understand how solar weather affects Earth's magnetosphere, let's break down each option:
1. It generates auroras: While it is true that solar weather, specifically solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can generate auroras, it does not directly affect the Earth's magnetosphere. Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun enter the Earth's atmosphere and interact with the magnetic field, creating beautiful displays of light in the polar regions. However, this interaction happens in the uppermost layers of the atmosphere, not within the magnetosphere.
2. It forms radiation belts: This answer is correct. Solar weather, particularly solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can release large amounts of charged particles. These particles can become trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere, forming radiation belts. The most well-known radiation belts are the Van Allen radiation belts.
3. It develops solar wind: While solar weather, specifically solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can contribute to the development of the solar wind, it does not directly affect Earth's magnetosphere. The solar wind is a constant stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, which can interact with the Earth's magnetosphere.
4. It causes geomagnetic storms: This answer is correct. Solar weather events, especially coronal mass ejections, can cause geomagnetic storms on Earth. When these events reach the Earth, they interact with the magnetosphere, causing disturbances in the magnetic field. These disturbances create intense variations in the magnetic field near the Earth's surface, which can impact electronic systems, power grids, and satellite communications.
In summary, the two correct answers are:
1. It forms radiation belts.
4. It causes geomagnetic storms.