You probably don't think about soil often, but the following report may help you learn about science of soil.

What is soil made of?

Soil is made of sediments (沉积物) and humus(腐殖质). Sediment is small pieces of rock broken down over time by rain, ice, and wind. Sediment is often found in water. Humus comes from decayed(腐烂的) plants and animals. It helps give plants a lot of the food they need to grow.

How does soil form?

Over centuries, rock breaks down into very small pieces.

The rock pieces mix with humus.

The humus gets thicker and thicker over time. Soil is formed(形成)l

How are soils different?

Soils can be different colors and have different textures(质感). Texture is how the surface of an object feels. Color and texture are two features(特征) of soil.

Plants and soil

Plants do not grow well in some soils. Sandy soi1 is too dry. It does not hold water. Soil with too much clay is too thick. Most plants grow well in dark, rich garden soil that has different sediments and a lot of humus in it.

What is a hurricane?(飓风)

    You may already know that hurricanes are storms that can cause devastating(毁灭性的) waves, wind, and rain. They happen during “Hurricane Season,'' from June 1st until November 30th in the Atlantic Ocean and from May 15th until November 30th in the Pacific Ocean.

Categories(类别)of Hurricanes

    There are five categories of hurricanes, which are based on wind speeds. The categories help people know how much damage(危害) a hurricane may cause because the greater the wind speed, the more dangerous the storm. For example, a Category 5 hurricane has winds over 155 miles per hour, which are strong enough to break the buildings along the seaside completely.

Hurricane Dangers

    When a hurricane happens together with heavy rainfall（降雨）, there can be a devastating flood. The centre of a hurricane is called the eye. While most of a hurricane has dangerously strong winds, the eye in fact is a calm area in the storm. When the eye of a hurricane passes over land, people might think that it's over, but before long the wind and rain increase(增长) again as the second part of the hurricane moves through.

Hurricane Safety Tips

    There is no way to stop a hurricane or make it change direction, so if you ever find yourself in the path of a hurricane, be sure to stay inside during the storm. You could be seriously injured(受伤) if you go outside.

    Do you want to travel as cheaply as possible while enjoying the great scenery(风景)as much as possible? Backpacking(背包旅行)is the most popular way among young people now. With a tent, a sleeping bag and some clothes, you can start your trip Backpacking can give you many challenges(挑战). To travel with little money, backpackers stay in cheap hotels or schools, and they sometimes sleep in railway stations or under bridges.

    The young people in Europe often travel around their own country by train. Now they can travel father to Australia or China by plane because the plane tickets are much cheaper now.

    But no matter where backpackers travel, planning is very important if they want to enjoy the trip They should carry waterproof(防水的)clothes in summer, some medicine, and of course a credit card which is a safe way to carry money. Students may bring their student ID card to get tickets at lower prices. When you want to travel to a foreign country, the passport(护照) is necessary.

Information Card

    When traveling with your family or friends（especially on your own），you have to prepare something well. Tips on safety，health and planning will certainly make your trip more enjoyable.

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