大学英语快速阅读1-IsElNinoBack-带翻译-课后习题-解答.docxVIP

Is El Nino Back? There are signs that El Nino, the massive warming of the Pacific Ocean that affects the worlds weather, may be forming again. A satellite orbiting 600 miles above the Pacific Ocean picked up a streak of warm water forming along the equator — an early sign of the phenomenon felt around the world when it last appeared, just four years ago. It is more than 3,000 miles long. The water in it is nine degrees warmer than in surrounding areas — a substantial number to oceanographers. The warm pool is growing and has caused government forecasters to put out an advisory ( 气象报告) . Its a heads-up in advance so that people can properly be prepared for this event. said Vernon Kousky of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Climate Prediction Center. If a full-blown El Nino does form, Americans would most likely start to feel its effects next fall and winter. The government called the forecast very preliminary — but the warning allows emergency agencies to make plans. Right now, we cant predict whether it will be weak, moderate or strong in intensity/ said Kousky. Some scientists say its too early to predict anything at all. Id be very careful, said one who asked not to be named. There is indeed a very large anomaly ( 反常状态) in the Pacific right now, and we need to watch it. But these things are very difficult to forecast. El Ninos can be both good and bad, depending on where you are. Even a relatively small one can bring about significant changes by shifting the wind patterns from the Pacific Ocean that pass over the United States. During the last El Nino, in 1997 and 1998, rainfall doubled in California, causing a $1 billion in storm damage. On the other hand, in Florida, forest fires were put out by the extra rain. Choose the best answers to the following questions. What can be regarded as an early sign of El Nino? A 3,000-mile long water streak. A water streak that is warmer than surrounding areas. A streak of water forming along the equator.