阅读理解。
With eerily (怪异地) clear and quiet skies across the entire length and breadth of the United Kingdom, the
Icelandic volcanic eruption seems to create even more disruption and chaos. The major eruption from this
massive volcano has halted almost 500,000 people a day who wanted to fly in and out of the UK due to all
flights being suspended.
The last time an event took place on such a large scale was roughly around two hundred years ago, but
as aircraft were not a factor then it had almost no effects at all, and the last time domestic flights were delayed
for any length of time was in the Second World War.
A cloud of volcanic ash has risen 20,000 feet into the sky from a major eruption in Iceland which lies 700
miles north of the United Kingdom, so why would an event like this create so much fuss for Britons and parts
of Europeans?
Volcanic ash contains tiny particles of glass and sulphur (硫), which when sucked into an aircraft's jet
engine can cause the engine to stop. This is the time when you can imagine a pretty catastrophic event to
happen. Back in 1982 an incident involving a jet aircraft and volcanic ash did exactly that. The ash caused all
engines to fail and it was only thanks to the skill of the pilot that everyone on board managed to survive.
So the governing bodies of the airways have decided to cease all air traffic that could be affected by the
cloud of volcanic ash as it is carried by a southward wind down from the north of Scotland across the entire
length and breadth of the UK across the English Channel and over Europe.
On land there have been statements that there is no danger to humans, but people with asthma and
respiratory diseases should stay indoors.
The Iceland volcano that has erupted is apparently not the only one that is worrying scientists, and there
is another volcano which is the Mount Etna. So if it erupted anytime soon with the wind blowing south, an
ash cloud from that one would cause long-term devastation (破坏) and disruption for a very long time. Fingers
crossed, then.
1. What time was it when domestic flights were suspended the last time due to volcanic eruption?
A. About 200 years ago.
B. Back in 1982.
C. During World War Two.
D. In the 1950s.
2. What does the writer try to do in the fourth paragraph?
A. To explain British people's concern about the eruption.
B. To show that British people are very kind.
C. To tell us what is contained in volcanic ash.
D. To show the urgent demand for skilled pilots.
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3. Which of the following people would be affected by volcanic ash?
A. People with blood problems.
B. People with heart trouble.
C. People with headaches.
D. People with breathing problems.
4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A. We humans should be ready for more volcanos.
B. Another volcanic eruption is just going to take place soon.
C. The Volcano of Mount Etna would be very destructive.
D. Scientists can do nothing to stop volcanic eruptions.
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