Final answer:
Storm chasers use an array of equipment including digital cameras, balloon-borne instruments, and portable Doppler radar to study tornadoes and improve predictions. These tools help capture visual evidence, measure atmospheric conditions, and detect areas of rotation indicative of potential tornado formation. The correct answer is option e.
Step-by-step explanation:
Storm chasers use a variety of tools to improve understanding of how, when, and why tornadoes form. Among these tools are digital cameras to visually document the tornadoes and their effects, balloon-borne instruments that monitor atmospheric conditions surrounding severe storms, and portable Doppler radar units to analyze and predict storm behavior by looking at wind velocities within storms.
Each of these tools provides valuable data and insights. Digital cameras capture visual records, which can be important for assessing the structure of tornadoes and for educational purposes. Balloon-borne instruments can rise to various altitudes, collecting data on temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind profiles through different layers of the atmosphere. Portable Doppler radar is particularly crucial for identifying areas of rotation within storm clouds, which is a key indicator of tornado formation. The advantage of using Doppler radar lies in its ability to detect motion toward or away from the radar, providing meteorologists with the ability to monitor wind changes and rotation within storms.