Question

    Scientists are seeking new and creative ways to deal with climate change. As well as reducing our carbon dioxide sent into the air, scientists say we must remove the gas from the air to keep Earths temperature down.

One expert has now suggested pouring carbon dioxide into deep trenches (海沟), forming vast liquid lakes, Steve Goldthorpe, an energy analyst based in New Zealand, says the lakes could forever hold vast quantities of carbon dioxide. This is because once the gas reaches a depth of 3,000 meters it is denser (密度大) than water, meaning it naturally sinks to the seafloor.

“If liquid CO₂ were to be placed in such a trench, it would be 7 per cent more dense than seawater and could remain forever as a lake of liquid CO₂ on the ocean floor,” Mr Goldthorpe wrote in his paper, “the stored carbon dioxide could become solid over time, which would stop it mixing with ocean currents.”

Previously, experts have suggested burying the extra carbon dioxide deep underground, possibly in abandoned (废弃的) oil and gas fields. While first tests have shown that this method has potential, scientists are still unsure whether people would accept the fix.

Carbon dioxide lakes do form naturally in the cold, high-pressure depths of the ocean, but they are rare.

Researchers have previously given up the idea of ocean CO₂ storage because it can make the water more acidic, which may affect ocean ecosystems. Mr Goldthorpe recognizes this in his paper, writing, “Any influence on deep ocean ecosystems would need to be examined.”

1.What is Goldthorpe’s way of fighting climate change?

A.To cut down carbon dioxide sent into air.

B.To make the most of the traditional ways.

C.To pour carbon dioxide deep into the ocean.

D.To dig a large lake for storing carbon dioxide.

2.According to Goldthorpe, CO₂ could remain in the trench on condition that ________.

A.the trench has to be deep enough

B.CO₂ must first be changed into solid

C.the trench has to be large enough

D.CO₂ must first be taken to the seafloor

3.The previous idea of ocean CO₂ storage has been given up because ________.

A.natural storing places rarely exist

B.many oil and gas fields will have to be abandoned

C.scientists are unsure whether people would accept the fix

D.there are concerns on possible damage to the ocean ecosystem

4.The last paragraph indicates that Goldthorpe’s attitude towards his project is _________.

A.doubtful B.cautious

C.disapproving D.determined

Answer

1.C

2.A

3.D

4.B

【解析】

本文是一篇说明文。文章介绍了科学家为应对气候变化而提出的一些创新性的方法。比如：把二氧化碳储存在深深的海沟里或矿坑里。

1.细节理解题。根据第二段One expert has now suggested pouring carbon dioxide into deep trenches (海沟), forming vast liquid lakes, Steve Goldthorpe, an energy analyst based in New Zealand, says the lakes could forever hold vast quantities of carbon dioxide.一句可知Steve Goldthorpe建议把二氧化碳储存在深深的海沟里。故选C。

2.细节理解题。根据第二段This is because once the gas reaches a depth of 3,000 meters it is denser (密度大) than water, meaning it naturally sinks to the seafloor.一句可知Steve Goldthorpe认为把二氧化碳储存在深深的海沟里的前提条件是气体在海底3000米的时候，它的密度大于水。由此可知海沟应该足够的深。故选A。

3.细节理解题。根据最后一段Researchers have previously given up the idea of ocean CO2 storage because it can make the water more acidic, which may affect ocean ecosystems.可知把二氧化碳储存在深深的海沟里的已经被否定了，以为这种做法可能会影响海洋的生态系统。故选D。

4.推理判断题。根据最后一段Mr Goldthorpe recognizes this in his paper, writing, “Any influence on deep ocean ecosystems would need to be examined.”可知Steve Goldthorpe认为任何对深海生态系统的影响都需要检查，因此Steve Goldthorpe对他提出的计划持谨慎态度。故选B。