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Scientists say they have developed a system that uses machine learning to predict when and where lightning will strike. Researchers
report the system is able to predict lightning strikes up to 30 minutes before
they happen within a 30-kilometer area.
Lightning is a strong burst of electricity in the
atmosphere. Since it carries an extremely powerful electrical charge, it can be
destructive and deadly. European researchers have estimated that between 6,000
and 24,000 people are killed by lightning worldwide each year. For this reason,
climate scientists have long sought to
develop methods to predict lightning.
The system tested in the experiments uses a combination of
data from weather stations and machine learning methods. The researchers
developed a prediction model that was trained to recognize weather conditions
that were likely to cause lightning.
The model was created with data collected over a 12-year
period from 12 Swiss weather stations in cities and mountain areas. The data,
related to four main surface conditions: air pressure, air temperature,
relative humidity and wind speed, was placed into a unique machine learning
algorithm (算法), which compared it to
records of lightning strikes. Researchers say the algorithm was then able to
learn the conditions under which lightning happens.
The researchers test-ran the system several times. They
found that the system made predictions that proved correct almost 80 percent of
the time. "It can now be used anywhere," the Swiss Federal Institute
of Technology said in a statement.
The researchers plan to keep developing the technology in
partnership with a European effort that aims to create a lightning protection
program. The effort is called the European Laser Lightning Rod project. Scientists working on the
project are experimenting with a
laser technology that could someday control lightning activity, transferring
lightning charges from clouds to the ground. They hope that such technology can
one day be used as protection against lightning strikes. Possible uses could be
at stations, airports or places where large crowds gather.
(1)
Why was the system developed?
A . To meet kids' curiosity about lightning.
B . To show the power of lightning.
C . To keep track of lightning deaths.
D . To protect people from lightning.
(2)
What is special about the system?
A . It was based on a number of samples worldwide.
B . It adopted a different machine learning algorithm.
C . It used an effective method of collecting data.
D . It required low cost of predicting lightning.
(3)
What will the researchers do next with the laser technology?
A . Monitor lightning activity.
B . Prevent the occurrence of lightning.
C . Direct energy from lightning.
D . Generate electricity with lightning.
(4)
What can be a suitable title for the text?
A . A System of Controlling Lightning
B . A Method of Forecasting Lightning
C . A Theory of Employing Lightning
D . A Model of Creating Lightning
答案: D
B
C
B