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 in the passage 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 the number of tornadoes recorded annually can be attributed to improved detection capabilities and increased human activities in tornado-prone areas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The apparent discrepancy in the passage can be resolved by considering the increase in the number of tornadoes recorded annually. While the climatic factors affecting tornado creation may remain unchanged, there are other factors to consider. Option (D) states that the amount of property damage done by tornadoes has grown substantially since 1953.

This information suggests that there has been an increase in infrastructure and human activities in areas prone to tornadoes, resulting in a higher likelihood of tornadoes being recorded. Therefore, the increase in recorded tornadoes can be attributed to improved detection capabilities and more people living in areas susceptible to tornadoes, rather than changes in the climatic factors influencing tornado formation.