Question

    For the first time ever scientists prepare to set about a 3-year-long project，the Nekton  Mission，to explore the Indian Ocean and document changes taking place beneath the waves that could affect the surrounding region over the coming decades.

The ambitious exploration team will reach one of the last major unexplored frontiers on the  planet，a vast body of water that’s already feeling the effects of global warming with rising water temperatures damaging its coral reefs(珊瑚礁).Understanding the Indian Ocean’s ecosystem is important not just for the species that live in it，but also for the 2.5 billion people living in the region.

The Nekton Mission is supported by more than 40 organizations.Researchers will spend  seven weeks surveying underwater life，map the sea floor，and drop sensors(传感器)to depths of up to 6，560 feet in the seas around the Seychelles.

The Seychelles aims to become a leader in the development of a“blue economy”that draws on the resources of the ocean.It relies on fishing and tourism，but has lately also been exploiting oil and gas from beneath the sea floor.“Our ocean is undergoing rapid ecological transformation by human activities.The Nekton Mission is vital to help us better know our ocean space and resources to make wise decisions.Only when we know what we have in the ocean and what is its value call we properly decide what to exploit and what to leave untouched，”said Jumeau，the Seychelles’ambassador to the UN.

The mission will conduct further dives in other parts of the Indian Ocean over three years.The researchers expect to discover new species and send videos to the world by satellite.The research will provide information for a summit(峰会)about the Indian Ocean planned for late 2021.

1.Why do the scientists plan to explore the Indian Ocean?

A. To save the endangered creatures living in the sea.

B. To discover the damage mankind has done to the ocean.

C. To make the best use of the natural resources in the sea.

D. To protect its species and people living around the region.

2.Which is not included in the tasks to be carried out around the Seychelles?

A. Drawing maps of the sea floor. B. Finding treasures under the sea.

C. Putting sensors into the deep sea. D. Studying underwater life.

3.What can be learned about the Nek-ton Mission?

A. It will extend beyond the Indian Ocean.

B. It will benefit a lot from“blue economy”.

C. It will contribute to the 2021 conference.

D. It will find solutions to global warming.

4.What can be a suitable title fur the text?

A. Scientists Are to Explore the Indian Ocean

B. The Seychelles Aims to Build a“Blue Economy”

C. Effects of Global Warming on Marine Ecosystem

D. Indian Ocean:the Last Unexplored Frontier on the Planet

Answer

1.D

2.B

3.C

4.A

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。主要提到为了保护印度洋生态系统中的物种和周边区域的人们，科学家即将探索印度洋。并制定了The Nekton任务，研究人员将花费七周时间，在Seychelles附近海域绘制海底地图、将传感器放入深海以及研究水下生物。Nekton任务对于帮助人们更好地了解海洋空间和资源，做出明智的决定至关重要，并对2021年底召开的印度洋峰会提供信息。

1.推理判断题。根据第二段最后一句Understanding the Indian Ocean’s ecosystem is important not just for the species that live in it，but also for the 2.5 billion people living in the region.可知科学家探索印度洋的原因是为了保护其中的物种以及住在附近的人们。故选D。

2.细节理解题。第三段第二句Researchers will spend seven weeks surveying underwater life，map the sea floor，and drop sensors(传感器)to depths of up to 6，560 feet in the seas around the Seychelles.可知研究人员将在Seychelles附近海域绘制海底地图、将传感器放入深海以及研究水下生物。并没有提到发现宝藏，故B选项不包括。选B。

3.细节理解题。最后一段最后一句The research will provide information for a summit(峰会)about the Indian Ocean planned for late 2021.可知这项研究将为计划于2021年底召开的印度洋峰会提供信息。故选C。

4.主旨大意题。根据文章第一段For the first time ever scientists prepare to set about a 3-year-long project，the Nekton Mission，to explore the Indian Ocean and document changes taking place beneath the waves that could affect the surrounding region over the coming decades.以及文章主要内容主要围绕着科学家即将探索印度洋，以及计划会设计到的项目安排。故选A。