Ice. Snow. Water. Penguins. The attraction of Antarctica. This cold,southernmost continent is an increasingly popular tourist destination. Its vast landscape of ice and snow,as well as its wildlife population,attracts nature-loving vacationers and some tourists who enjoy activities like cross-country skiing. Others simply float through the area on board a cruise (乘船游览). Whatever the reason people come to Antarctica,they're coming. And it's causing some controversy(争论).
But before we get into that,let's look at some facts about Antarctica.
Antarctica is a landmass located around the South Pole and it has more ice than any other place on Earth. In fact,99. 5 percent of its landmass is covered with ice. During arctic winter,the ice sheet covering the continent gets even bigger. Its shape is roughly round,with one arm reaching out toward South America. That is why many trips to Antarctica are via Argentina.
Even during its warmest period,Antarctica's temperatures mostly stay below freezing. During the winter,they can drop to as low as minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The continent has little rain and its snow is dry and powdery(粉末状的).
Antarctica wasn't even formally explored until the 19th century. Today,though,many scientists and researchers call Antarctica their temporary home,living in special facilities when they study the ecosystem and native life.
Since Antarctica has no human inhabitants,many nations have laid claim to it. However,the terms of the Antarctic Treaty state that the continent is reserved purely for scientific research. This also keeps Antarctica a war-free and nuclear-free zone. Currently,53 parties have signed the treaty.
For those visitors who aren't conducting scientific research on the continent,what to see and do in this icy land?
46. The underlined word "that" in Paragraph 2 refers to__________
A.the landscape of ice and snow |
B.the wildlife population |
C.the attraction of Antarctica |
D.some controversy |
47. People come to Antarctica through Argentina because __________
A.the distance is the shortest from Antarctica to Argentina |
B.Argentina has the best harbor to shelter ships |
C.Argentina is far away from Antarctica |
D.people can find the best equipment in Argentina for travelling |
48. It can be inferred from the fourth paragraph that __________
A.the snow on Antarctica can easily form ice |
B.Antarctica is naturally unsuitable for humans and animals |
C.people try to build lasting buildings on Antarctica |
D.in the 19th century Antarctica began to be discovered |
49. What might be the most suitable title for the passage?
A.Should you be allowed to live in Antarctica? |
B.Are you a traveller dreaming for Antarctica? |
C.Do you have the courage to travel in Antarctica? |
D.Can you travel in Antarctica? |