题目

阅读理解 Up to one fifth of the Amazon rainforest is emitting more carbon dioxide (CO2), than it absorbs, new research suggests. Results from a decade-long study of greenhouse gases over the Amazon rainforest appear to show around 20% of the total area has become a net source of CO2 in the atmosphere. One of the main causes is deforestation. While trees are growing, they absorb CO2 from the atmosphere; dead trees release it again. However, the fact is that millions of trees have been lost to logging and fires in recent years. The results of the study, which have not yet been published, have implications for the effort to combat climate change. They suggest that the Amazon rainforest, a vital carbon "store", or "sink", that slows the pace of global warming may be turning into a carbon source faster than previously thought. Every two weeks for the past 10 years, a team of scientists led by Professor Luciana Gatti, a researcher at Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), has been measuring greenhouse gases by flying aircraft fitted with sensors over different parts of the Amazon basin. What the group found was startling: while most of the rainforest still retains its ability to absorb large quantities of CO2 — especially in wetter years — one portion of the forest, which is especially heavily deforested, appears to have lost that capacity. Gatti's research suggests this south-eastern part of the forest, about 20% of the total area, has become a carbon source. "Each year is worse," she told Newsnight. "We observed that this area in the south-east is an important source of carbon. And it doesn't matter whether it is a wet year or a dry year. 2017 was a wet year, but it didn't make any difference." A forest can become a source of carbon rather than a "store", or "sink", when trees die and emit carbon into the atmosphere. Areas of deforestation also contribute to the Amazon's inability to absorb carbon. Carlos Nobre, who co-authored Prof Gatti's study, called the observation "very worrying" because "it could be showing the beginnings of a major tipping point". He believes the new findings suggest that in the next 30 years, more than half of the Amazon could transform from rainforest into savanna(稀树草原). （1） What can be concluded from Paragraph 2? A . Logging and fires should be held responsible for all dead trees. B . Amazon rainforest can no longer absorb as much CO2 as before. C . Growing trees are able to absorb and release CO2 at the same time. D . More than 20% of the Amazon rainforest has become a net source of CO2. （2） Which of the following might Professor Luciana Gatti agree with? A . Most of the Amazon rainforest absorbs more CO2 in wetter years. B . The Amazon rainforest is on its way to becoming the biggest source of carbon. C . Deforested areas tend to perform better in terms of absorbing carbon in dry years. D . The Amazon rainforest has completely lost its ability to slow the pace of global warming. （3） What does the underlined word probably mean? A . Striking. B . Convincing. C . Confusing. D . Disgusting. （4） What would be the best title of this passage? A . Deforestation or reforestation? B . A carbon absorber or a carbon maker? C . Cheering news about the Amazon rainforest D . Thrilling facts about the Amazon rainforest 答案： B A A B

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