研究：世界最大岛正在缓缓飘走_奇速读时文快乐学英语

时文摘要

近期刊发的一项新研究显示，受全球变暖等因素影响，格陵兰岛面积“缩水”，同时缓慢向西北方向漂移。

A recent scientific study has revealed a surprising side effect of global warming: the massive island of Greenland is not just losing ice — it is physically changing shape and slowly moving. According to research published in a leading earth science journal, the island is shrinking in size and gradually drifting toward the northwest. This discovery provides a powerful example of how deeply climate change can affect our planet.

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark used data from 58 GPS stations located around Greenland. By carefully analyzing this information, they were able to track subtle shifts in the island’s position and the elevation of its bedrock — the solid rock beneath the ice. Their findings paint a picture of a landmass undergoing significant transformation.
The primary cause of this movement is the rapid melting of Greenland’s enormous ice sheet. Over the past two decades, the island has been losing billions of tons of ice each year. As this incredible weight lifts off the land, the Earth’s crust below, which was once pressed down, begins to rebound, or spring back upward. This process, known as “post-glacial rebound”, is causing the bedrock to twist, stretch, and compress (压缩). These geological shifts are causing the entire island to move northwest at a speed of about two centimeters per year. Furthermore, the island itself is changing shape. Some areas are being stretched apart, while others are being squeezed (挤压) together. The overall result is that Greenland is getting slightly smaller.
The influence of these changes is global. The melting ice from Greenland pours into the ocean, directly contributing to rising sea levels. Scientists estimate that the ice sheet holds enough frozen water to raise global sea levels by over seven meters if it all melted. Even small increases can put millions of people living in coastal areas at risk of flooding.

This research highlights the interconnected nature of our world. A warming climate in the Arctic does more than just melt ice; it sets off a chain reaction that reshapes land, alters oceans, and poses new challenges for the future. Understanding these complex processes is a crucial step in preparing for and adapting to our changing planet.

1. 1. What is the main finding of the recent study mentioned in the first paragraph?

A Greenland’s ice is melting at a steady pace.

B Global warming is a newly discovered issue.

C Greenland is transforming in size and location.

D A new earth science journal has been published.

2. 2. How did the researchers from Denmark conduct their study?

A By predicting future climate models.

B By examining data from GPS stations.

C By measuring the ice thickness directly.

D By interviewing local residents.

3. 3. The physical changes in Greenland’s landmass are best described as ____________.

A rapid and unpredictable