【素材】Module 4 文章 Sandstorms in Beijing（外研版）.doc

Sandstorms in Beijing A general definition of a severe sandstorm is one that it occurs suddenly and affects large areas causing great losses to the national economy and the people. The number of severe sandstorms in Beijing has grown rapidly since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. There were five in the 1950s, eight in the 1960s, 13 in the 1970s, 14 in the 1980s , and 20 in the 1990s. Severe and widespread sandstorms mainly occur in the period from March to May, especially in April. For instance, a devastating sandstorm raged Beijing from April 16 to 18, 1998. Blowing from west to east, it even stretched to the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. This storm was almost unprecedented in history, and when it met rain over Beijing, muddy rain was formed. Human activities play an important role in the formation of severe sandstorms, basically through improper use of land, population growth and the rapid spread of urbanization. Beijing is located in the northern part of the Northern Plains of China. The west (Taihang Mountain), the north (Jundu Mountain) and the east (Yan Mountain) of Beijing are mountain areas. Lots of rivers stream out from these areas. Some of them pass through the territory of The speed of water slowed down after the rivers entered into the plain, and the bedloads sedimented gradually. Beijing is located on the fan-shaped bed-rock sediments originating from the Taihang Mountain, Jundu Mountain and Yan Mountain. Originally, there were lots of flourishing virgin forests, which had the obvious function of preventing sandy winds. However, due to wars and the needs of construction for development of Beijing, these virgin forests were cut down and almost exhausted. Only some replanted trees were left in scattered mountain areas. According to statistics, the cover rate of forest in Beijing in 1950s was only 1.3 3.5%. Strong winds have become more frequent. Beijing area is below 50 meters, but the elevation of the northern mountain area is abo