Question

name: mauricio garcia
earth science
check for understanding: are we ready for solar storms?
directions: use the article \are we ready for solar storms?\ to answer the questions below.

1. which of the following describes a geomagnetic storm?

ⓐ a change in the magnetic fields surrounding the sun
ⓑ a sudden explosion of charged particles from the sun
ⓒ a sudden switch in the direction of earth’s magnetic field that causes auroras on the sun
ⓓ a disturbance in earth’s magnetic field caused by high - energy particles and radiation from the sun

1. what creates the magnetic field that surrounds earth?

ⓐ storms in earth’s upper atmosphere
ⓑ charged particles from space striking earth’s atmosphere
ⓒ electrical currents moving in and around earth
ⓓ the downward pull of earth’s gravity

1. scientists say it is important to be able to better forecast geomagnetic storms. which of the following best explains why?

ⓐ these storms create colorful auroras that can be seen around earth.
ⓑ these storms can lead to dangerous weather on earth’s surface.
ⓒ these storms can disrupt power and communications systems on earth.
ⓓ these storms can worsen climate change by releasing greenhouse gases.

1. which of the following is not true about coronal mass ejections (cmes)?

ⓐ they are constantly striking earth’s atmosphere.
ⓑ they are made of superhot, charged gases.
ⓒ they can have their own magnetic fields.
ⓓ they can be millions of miles across.

1. if a cme has a magnetic field that’s oriented opposite to earth’s magnetic field, these fields attract and merge. what happens next?

ⓐ the pull of earth’s gravity becomes equal to the pull of the sun’s gravity, so there is no geomagnetic storm.
ⓑ the cme’s magnetic field is repelled and deflected away from earth, avoiding a geomagnetic storm.
ⓒ earth’s magnetic field stretches and snaps back, releasing a burst of energy into earth’s atmosphere.
ⓓ the cme’s magnetic field doubles in strength and escapes the pull of the sun’s gravity.
take it further: think about some effects of solar storms. how important do you think it is to have a plan to deal with them? explain your point of view, using evidence to support your thinking.
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november 17, 2025
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Explanation:

Question 1

A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by high - energy particles and radiation from the sun. Option A is about the sun’s magnetic fields, not a geomagnetic storm. Option B is a solar flare (explosion of charged particles from the sun), not a geomagnetic storm. Option C is incorrect as it describes a change in Earth’s magnetic field direction on the sun, which is not what a geomagnetic storm is.

Earth’s magnetic field is created by electrical currents moving in and around Earth (the geodynamo effect). Option A is about storms in Earth’s upper atmosphere, which don't create the magnetic field. Option B is about charged particles striking the atmosphere, not creating the magnetic field. Option D is about gravity, which has nothing to do with creating the magnetic field.

Geomagnetic storms can disrupt power and communications systems on Earth, so better forecasting is important for mitigating these effects. Option A is about auroras, which are a minor visual effect. Option B is incorrect as geomagnetic storms don't directly cause dangerous surface weather. Option D is incorrect as geomagnetic storms don't release greenhouse gases to worsen climate change.

Answer:

D. a disturbance in Earth's magnetic field caused by high - energy particles and radiation from the sun

Question 2