题型:阅读理解 题类:常考题 难易度:普通
四川省棠湖中学2018-2019学年高二上学期英语第三次月考试卷
From July to October every year, about a quarter of the world's blue whales feed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. But the whales currently face a major threat in their favorite feeding area. Ships carrying cargo (货物)sail in the same area at the same time. All too often, the whales' paths and the ships' travel lines overlap (重叠), and a ship will hit a whale.
According to a new study, these ship strikes have become a serious threat to the overall population of the world's blue whales. Only about 10,000 of the creatures still exist worldwide. Blue whales are the largest known animals ever to live on Earth. Even so, if hit by a container ship, a blue whale will likely die from its injuries.
In 2007 alone, large ships killed five blue whales in the waters off San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that because there are so few whales already, losing three to five from the California whale population every year is a significant loss. "The estimated population of blue whales in this part of the Pacific is 2,500", says Sean Hastings, a NOAA analyst. "So every whale counts toward this species moving off the endangered-species list."
Now, marine scientists must figure out how to protect the whales from the giant container ships. One very simple program is already under way in the Santa Barbara Channel, a waterway that separates mainland California from the nearby Channel Islands.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary has asked large container ships passing through the area to voluntarily slow down. Sailing slower will allow the ships crew (船员)more time to change course before hitting a whale.
Several of the world's largest shipping lines are set to participate in the new program. For every ship that passes through the Santa Barbara Channel at or below the reduced speed of 12 knots (海里/小时), the company that owns the ship will be paid $2,500.
The Sands of Time St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is much more than just golden sands and beautiful flowers. The area has a long human history too. From Stone Age hunters to amazing pioneers, discover the daring deeds and sad stories from St Cyrus' past. Date: 23rd August 2010 Time. 2 p. m.—3:45 p. m. Type of event. Guided walk |
Between the Tides A celebration of the world between the tides. Join local salmon (大马哈鱼) fisherman Jim Ritchie on a fascinating walk to learn how local folk have made a living from the world between the tides, harvesting salmon from the beach at St Cyrus for hundreds of years. Date: 25th August 2010 Time: 2 p. m.—4 p.m. |
Type of event: Family event |
Ice & Fire St Cyrus National Nature Reserve has had an eventful life! From its days near the equator (赤道) to volcanic eruptions and ice ages. Celebrate the start of Scottish Geology Month with a walk through the reserve and travel back in time to uncover the clues to St Cyrus' past hidden in the cliffs. Date: 31st August 2010 Time: 2 p. m.—3:45 p. m. Type of event: Guided walk |
Scary Stories It's getting darker at nights... it's almost Halloween, when the ghosts (鬼怪) come out to play. Join us for some spooky stories of Dinnet and Deeside long ago... and listen out for things that sound strange in the night! Date: 25th October 2010 Time: 7 p. m.—9 p. m. Type of event: Family event |
Note:
* All under 18's must be accompanied by an adult
* Pets allowed: No
* Cost: Free
* Phone: 01674830736
* Location: SNH Visitor Centre, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve
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