What is a potential consequence of miscalibrating mortar elevations?

Miscalibrating mortar elevations can lead to over or under shooting the target primarily because the angles at which the mortar is fired are critical for determining the projectile's trajectory. If the elevation is incorrectly set, it will directly affect the range of the mortar rounds fired. For example, if the elevation is too low, the rounds may fall short of the target, whereas if it is too high, the rounds may overshoot the intended impact area. This miscalibration can result in a failure to engage the target effectively, potentially allowing enemy forces to remain unharmed and unengaged.

The other options do not directly connect to the primary risks associated with elevation miscalibration. Explosive malfunction is more related to the condition of the ordnance itself rather than how it is aimed. Improved accuracy would be counterintuitive since miscalibration generally leads to poor targeting. Excessive recoil might occur due to various factors, but it is not a direct consequence of miscalibrating the elevation settings. Thus, focusing on the relationship between elevation settings and target accuracy clarifies why over or under shooting the target is the key consequence of miscalibrating mortar elevations.