Scientists propose placing seismic stations

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vinni.k: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 421; Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:27 amFollowed by: 2 members; Location: India; Thanked: 6 times; GMAT Score:620

by vinni.k » Mon Mar 26, 2012 5:00 am

Scientists propose placing seismic stations on the floor of the Pacific Ocean to warn threatened coastal communities on the northwestern coast of the United States of approaching tidal waves caused by earthquakes. Since forewarned communities could take steps to evacuate, many of the injuries and deaths that would otherwise occur could be avoided if the government would implement this proposal.

The answer to which of the following questions would be most important in determining whether implementing the proposal would be likely to achieve the desired result?

(A) When was the last time that the coastal communities were threatened by an approaching tidal wave?

(8) How far below sea level would the stations be located?

(C) Would there be enough time after receiving warning of an approaching tidal wave for communities to evacuate safely?

(0) How soon after a tidal wave hits land is it safe for evacuees to return to their communities?

(E) Can the stations be equipped to collect and relay information about phenomena other than tidal waves caused by earthquakes?

Answer is C

Choice (A) confuses me. Please explain choice A.

Thanks & Regards
Vinni

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Critical Reasoning | Mon Mar 26, 2012 5:00 am

killer1387: Legendary Member; Posts: 581; Joined: Sun Apr 03, 2011 7:53 amFollowed by: 5 members; Thanked: 52 times

by killer1387 » Mon Mar 26, 2012 5:24 am

Scientists proposal:

placing seismic stations on the floor of the Pacific Ocean to warn threatened coastal communities on the northwestern coast of the United States of approaching tidal waves caused by earthquakes.

Based on:
Since forewarned communities could take steps to evacuate, many of the injuries and deaths that would otherwise occur could be avoided if the government would implement this proposal.

The answer to which of the following questions would be most important in determining whether implementing the proposal would be likely to achieve the desired result?

(A) When was the last time that the coastal communities were threatened by an approaching tidal wave?
--> okay answering this question lets suppose
1) last year it hit: does this affects the plan in any way. No
2) 10 years back: so what this is far from the plans proposal.
whatever you think of this question the proposal still stands and you cant judge anything from A

(C) Would there be enough time after receiving warning of an approaching tidal wave for communities to evacuate safely?
--> correct

HTH

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vinni.k: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 421; Joined: Sun Apr 17, 2011 4:27 amFollowed by: 2 members; Location: India; Thanked: 6 times; GMAT Score:620

by vinni.k » Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:22 am

killer1387 wrote: (A) When was the last time that the coastal communities were threatened by an approaching tidal wave?
--> okay answering this question lets suppose
1) last year it hit: does this affects the plan in any way. No
2) 10 years back: so what this is far from the plans proposal.
whatever you think of this question the proposal still stands and you cant judge anything from A

Thanks killer1387, you are right. Choice (A) doesn't tell anything.
There is no need to know when was the last time the coastal communities were threatened and even if we know for example, last Wednesday, it won't help.

Thanks for your explanation.

Regards
Vinni

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