Question

select the correct answer.
read the adapted excerpt from
oaa hurricane hunters\ by noaa.

in addition to doing research to help scientists understand hurricanes and other kinds of tropical storms, noaas p-3s also do storm reconnaissance missions. the main purpose of these missions is to locate the center of the storm and measure central pressure and surface winds around the eye. information from both research and reconnaissance flights directly contribute to the safety of people living along and visiting the vulnerable atlantic and gulf coasts.

which dictionary entry best supports the meaning of the word reconnaissance as used in the excerpt?
re·con·nais·sance | \
i-kä-nə-zən(t)s \\ noun

a. a survey to gather geological data in the field

b. a gathering of geographical information in a particular area

c. a military - sanctioned survey to collect data

d. a preliminary survey to gain information

Explanation:

To determine the correct dictionary entry for "reconnaissance" in the excerpt, we analyze the context. The NOAA's P - 3s' reconnaissance missions aim to locate the storm center, measure pressure and winds. We then evaluate each option:

• Option A: Focuses on geological data, which is not relevant to storm - related missions. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Emphasizes geographical information, but the mission is about storm - specific data (not just geographical). Eliminate B.
• Option C: Mentions military - sanctioned, but the context is about NOAA (a non - military agency) doing storm missions. Eliminate C.
• Option D: "A preliminary survey to gain information" fits as the missions are to gather information (about the storm) through surveying (locating center, measuring parameters).

Answer:

D. a preliminary survey to gain information