Final answer:
The toothed ring around the Joliet (JOT) VOR symbol on a Chicago area IFR chart signifies that the station is a VORTAC or VOR/DME, offering both azimuth and distance information to pilots.
Step-by-step explanation:
On the Chicago area Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) chart, the symbol for the Joliet (JOT) VOR with a 'toothed' or serrated ring around the tiny center circle indicates that this facility is a VORTAC or a VOR/DME, which means Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) is available in addition to conventional VOR navigation. This allows pilots to receive both azimuth and distance information from a single radio navigation aid.
The significance of the symbol for the Joliet (JOT) VOR having a 'toothed' ring around the tiny center circle on the Chicago area IFR chart is that it shows this facility is a VORTAC or a VOR/DME, meaning DME is available as well as conventional VOR navigation. Option 3 is the correct answer. The 'toothed' ring indicates the presence of Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) at the Joliet VOR, allowing pilots to receive both VOR and DME information.