Question

The number of tornadoes recorded annually in North America has more than tripled since 1953. Yet meteorologists insist that the climatic factors affecting the creation of tornadoes are unchanged.

Which one of the following, if true, most helps to resolve the apparent discrepancy described above?

(A) The factors affecting the creation of tornadoes were not well known to meteorologists before 1953.
(B) The intensity of the average tornado is greater now than it was in 1953.
(C) The number of tornadoes recorded annually has increased only slightly in the last five years.
(D) The amount of property damage done by tornadoes has grown substantially since 1953.
(E) Many more citizens are helping authorities detect tornadoes now than in 1953.

Answer 1

The increase in recorded tornadoes since 1953 is most plausibly due to enhanced detection and reporting from citizens, storm chasers, and improved meteorological technology. The increase in detection can make it seem like there are more tornadoes, even if the climate factors remain unchanged.

Step-by-step explanation:

The apparent discrepancy that weather factors affecting the creation of tornadoes are unchanged, yet the number of recorded tornadoes has more than tripled since 1953, can be resolved by considering that many more citizens are now helping authorities detect tornadoes than in 1953. This increased detection can be due to better reporting systems, more interest in storm chasing as a hobby, and more sophisticated technology available to the public. Enhanced observation and reporting rather than a climatic change is the most plausible explanation for the rise in recorded tornadoes.

Modern technology has greatly improved meteorologists' ability to track and report tornadoes, resulting in more recorded incidents. With many weather enthusiasts and storm chasers contributing to the data pool, coupled with advanced detection systems like Doppler radar, the apparent increase in tornado numbers may reflect a higher detection rate rather than an actual increase in tornado occurrence.