D
California, the USA, saw heavy rainfall in the first week of March which caused floods. Surprisingly, the state is known for its long droughts. Atmospheric rivers often cause California's heaviest rain, snow, and floods. Now, we have seen rivers flowing through different places, but what are atmospheric rivers? Let's find out.
Atmospheric rivers form over warm oceans. As the sun warms the ocean, water changes into vapour(蒸气) and rises into the air, creating atmospheric rivers. Now, these atmospheric rivers carry the water vapour from the ocean to the land, where it cools down to bring rain and snow.
Atmospheric rivers can generally be in different shapes and sizes. But the big ones containing the highest water vapour concentrations(含量) can cause heavy rainfall and floods. One of the most powerful atmospheric rivers originates(发源) in the Pacific Ocean and flows into California.
Atmospheric rivers play an important role on our planet. They often bring beneficial rain or snow, which is important to the global water cycle. Atmospheric rivers account for more than half of rainfall in coastal regions in North America, France, Spain, South America, Southeast Asia, etc. They are important for agriculture and the survival of plants and animals.
At times, however, atmospheric rivers can cause severe floods. This happens when climate change affects the timing and distribution(分布) of atmospheric rivers. As global temperature rises, the moisture content(含水量) in the air increases, leading to a rise in atmospheric rivers. These changes may cause problems in areas that are not used to severe rain. Heavy rain can flood houses and roads, causing various problems.
All in all, we need further study on atmospheric rivers. And we must try to lessen the effects of climate change so that our planet can stay healthy for years.
A. By listing several numbers.
B. By comparing two facts.
C. By telling a piece of news.
D. By following the order of time.
(
C
)38. According to the passage, atmospheric rivers are full of
.
A. tiny dust
B. ocean water
C. water vapour
D. rain and snow
(
A
)39. (创新考法·组合式选择)What role do atmospheric rivers play?
① They can be quite damaging.
② They're helpful for agriculture.
③ They have no influence on France.
④ They make global temperature rise.
A. ①②
B. ②③
C. ③④
D. ①④
(
C
)40. Which of the following best shows the structure of the passage?
