Most Durable Media Types for Harsh Environments

D.

In harsh environments, durability is an essential factor when it comes to selecting media types for data storage. Let's discuss each of the given media types to determine which one is the most durable:

A. Disk: Disks, whether they are hard disk drives (HDD) or solid-state drives (SSD), are mechanical devices and are sensitive to vibrations, shock, and extreme temperatures. Therefore, they are not the most durable option in harsh environments.

B. Tape: Tape media is known for its durability and is commonly used for long-term data archiving. Tape cartridges are designed to withstand environmental conditions such as humidity, dust, and temperature variations, making them a more durable option than disks.

C. Optical: Optical media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, are also vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. High temperatures can cause the plastic layer to warp or degrade, while extreme cold can make the media brittle and prone to cracking.

D. Flash: Flash storage is known for its durability and is commonly used in ruggedized devices, such as military equipment and industrial machinery. Flash media has no moving parts, making it less susceptible to mechanical failure, and can operate in a wide range of temperatures.

Therefore, the answer to this question is D. Flash, as it is the most durable option in harsh environments due to its resistance to mechanical failure and ability to operate in extreme temperatures.