阅读理解A team of scientists say that seawater flowing underneath and into gaps in the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is contributing to the melting of the massive ice formation."The worry is that we are underestimating the speed that the glacier is changing. It would be disastrous for coastal communities around the world," Christine Dow, co-author of the study, said in a press release.At roughly 80 miles across, Thwaites is the widest glacier in the world, nicknamed the "Doomsday Glacier" for the fatal effects its melting could have on global sea-level rise. Each year, it loses about 50 billion tons of ice, which comprises roughly 4% of all sea-level rise worldwide, according to the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. One estimate predicted that the total loss of Thwaites could cause average global sea levels to surge by more than two feet.In the study, the team of glaciologists used radar data by Finland's ICEYE commercial satellite program to get a better idea of what's happening below the surface of the glacier. They found that seawater flows in and away from, the glacier with the tides, mixing with freshwater, but some of that warm ocean water also travels deep beneath the ice formation, going "through natural passages" or collecting "in holes" and becoming trapped."There are places where the water is almost at the pressure of the overlying ice, so just a little more pressure is needed to push up the ice," said Eric Rignot, the study's lead author. "The water is then squeezed enough to jack up a column of more than half a mile of ice."Dow suggested that additional ice sheet modeling could help scientists better understand what's happening under these major glaciers and develop a more precise timeline of expected sea-level rise across the world. "This work will help people adapt to changing ocean levels, along with focusing on reducing carbon emissions to prevent the worst-case assumption," Dow said.
(1)
Why is Thwaites called "Doomsday Glacier"?
A . It is the largest glacier in the world.
B . It comprises most of global sea-level rise.
C . It is melting at an increasing high speed.
D . It will cause huge disasters if entirely melting.
(2)
What effect does the trapped seawater have on the glacier?
A . It goes through the glacier, speeding melting.
B . It mixes with freshwater, moving the glacier around.
C . It increases pressure, lifting the glacier.
D . It creates a barrier, preventing further melting.
(3)
Why is additional ice sheet modeling suggested?
A . To stop the melting process.
B . To accurately predict sea-level rise.
C . To help people change sea levels.
D . To persuade people out of carbon emission.
(4)
What is a suitable title for the text?
A . The Worrisome Fate of Thwaites Glacier.
B . Seawater's Role in Antarctic Melting.
C . The Global Impact of Thwaites Glacier Melting.
D . Ice Sheet Modeling for Sea-Level Rise Prediction.
答案: D
C
B
B