As a meteorologist...my head has been about to explode reading some of these threads. There is a VERY misguided notion that these guys were thrill-seekers. THEY WERE NOT (as you obviously know).
They put their lives at risk placing probes in the paths of tornadoes in order to collect data so that they and other researchers could better understand these killers in the hopes of one day being able to provide ample warning so that NO ONE has to die. AND SOMEBODY HAS TO DO IT. If they didn't do it...then we are missing key meteorological data about the lower 10 meters of the tornado which cannot be captured in any other way. I do not expect most on here to understand that...thus the ignorant comments.
This ignorance...which Free Republic can demonstrate on a GRAND scale at times...can be very frustrating.
I also do not expect that the "intelligensia" here on FR will "get" that Tim's research has and will undoubtedly save lives...but there are no doubts it has and will.
Let be the first to repeat what you just stated with a qualifier; This ignorance...which some on Free Republic can demonstrate on a GRAND scale at times...can be very frustrating.
NO ONE?? Good luck with that. Seriously.
Though as I pointed out on the previous thread, people go a bit far in the OTHER direction attributing the saving of thousands of lives to chasing, either through helping warnings or advancement of scientific research. The Samaras family and Karl Young were one of a tiny handful of chasers actually doing legitimate science.
As a meteorologist...my head has been about to explode reading some of these threads
Very well put. Too many knee jerkers that have no idea what they are talking about.
pardon us poor schmucks, but how does the average person, the average freeper KNOW that the ones killed were legit, and not like the seemingly dozens of people chasing storms for tv and you tube publication?....for money.....