Recent investigations of earthquakes have turned up a previously unknown type of seismic shock, known as a displacement pulse, which is believed to be present in all earthquakes. Alarmingly, high-rise buildings are especially vulnerable to displacement pulses, according to computer models. Yet examination of high-rises within cities damaged by recent powerful earthquakes indicates little significant damage to these structures. Which one of the following, if true, contributes to a resolution of the apparent paradox?
A: Computer models have been very successful in predicting the effects of other types of seismic shock.
B: Scientific predictions based on computer models often fail when tested in the field.
C: The displacement pulses made by low- and medium-intensity earthquakes are much less powerful than those made by the strongest earthquakes.
D: While displacement pulses have only recently been discovered, they have accompanied all earthquakes that have ever occurred.
Choose A, B, C or D as your solution.
B