Chapter Nine
The Oceans and the Weather
Warm-up
(A)
(E)
(B)
(F)
(C)
(G)
(H)
(D)
The pictures show some of the of the earth’s natural geographical features.
Match each one with its name.
1.basin
B
2. bay ___
3. cave ___
4. cliff ___
5. waterfall ___
6. forest ___
7. glacier ___
8. island ___
Key: 1. (B) 2. (E) 3. (A) 4. (H) 5. (F) 6. (G) 7. (D) 8. (C)
Reading I
The Oceans and the Weather
The oceans cover 70 percent of the earth’s surface and have a great impact on
the weather we experience on land. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere—the
layer of air around our earth—that is in constant contact with the oceans. When the
heat from the sun warms the surface of the ocean, seawater evaporates and rises up;
meanwhile, the cooler air moves in. The result is wind, and its movement creates
waves. Under waves flow ocean currents which are also influenced by the
gravitational force of the moon and sun and the earth’s rotation.
As water particles reach the sky and become too heavy to remain floating in the
air, precipitation occurs. The water comes back to the earth in the forms of rain, hail,
and snow. However, deep in the ocean exists a greater factor that affects the weather:
Salinity. Ocean water can roughly be divided into two layers, according to the salinity
it contains. The denser the water with salt, the deeper its currents flow and the lower
its temperature is. Water around the two poles is the densest because the ice there
contains little salt. As the denser water sinks to the lower levels of the ocean, the
warmer and less dense water moves in. The imbalance of water salinity and the
disproportion of solar heating cause the circulation of the deep ocean. This is why
ocean currents and water temperature have such a great effect on climate change.
With the development of technology, oceanography—the study of the
ocean—has given us a better understanding of the once mysterious ocean and our
relationship with it. This knowledge has greatly improved the accuracy of weather
forecasts; nevertheless, scientists must still keep a cautious eye on the world’s oceans
all the time.
Reading II
Coral Bleaching: A Warning from the Sea
Coral reefs form one of the earth’s most wonderful scenes. They are not only
beautiful, but also serve as home for different marine creatures. People from all over
the world enjoy snorkeling and diving in this colorful submarine world. More
importantly, coral reefs are sensitive ecosystems that are vulnerable to environmental
changes. Therefore, what endangers the life of the coral reefs can harm humans, as
well. Coral bleaching conveys an important message that we should take seriously as
a warning from the sea.
Even though corals can catch tiny plankton for food, they also need sunlight for
photosynthesis to produce nutrients. This is the reason why corals usually live in
comparatively shallow and clear water. Corals keep a symbiotic relationship with
zooxanthellae, a type of alga that helps with the photosynthetic process and that gives
the corals their bright colors. However, when the temperature of the seawater rises to
1-2 degrees Celsius, corals start losing their zooxanthellae and, in the end, starve to
death. The whitening of corals we see at this stage is, in fact, their skeletons.
Besides pollution, global warming is doubtless one of the main causes of coral
bleaching. We must be aware that environmental stress, even in small amounts, can
bring disaster to this beautiful ocean creature. Coral bleaching under the sea is a silent
cry from the Mother Nature that we can no longer ignore.
Comprehension Check
1. What is the main idea of article A?
(A) Oceans are huge water bodies on earth.
(B) The salinity of seawater differs according to the various depth of the ocean.
(C) The important role played by the oceans can greatly affect the weather.
(D) The ice around the two poles determines the amount of rain we have on land.
2. Which statement is NOT true about the ocean?
(A) The temperature is all the same.
(B) It is larger than the land.
(C) It is in constant movement.
(D) Gravitation is one of its influential factors.
3. What can we infer from the article about the weather?
(A) Although technology continues to improve, we must still pay close attention to
weather changes.
(B) The causes that affect our weather will become less and less in the future.
(C) We don’t have to worry because weather styles can be changed artificially.
(D) Not enough scientists study oceanography.
4. What is the main idea of article B?
(A) The earth’s pollution is getting worse.
(B) Coral reefs serve as a mirror that reflects our future.
(C) People love to have fun in the sea where coral reefs grow.
(D) Corals cannot live without zooxanthellae.
5. Which statement is true about the coral reefs?
(A) Even without food, they can live on the sunshine alone.
(B) They can recover soon from the damage of bleaching.
(C) They, themselves, are food for lots of marine creatures.
(D) They require stable water temperature and clear water to survive.
Key: 1. (C) 2. (A)
3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (D)
Discussion
1. Have you ever visited any extraordinary or unforgettable places? If so, share your
experience with your classmates.
2. What are some types of environmental disasters that are caused by human beings?
How can we prevent them from happening?
Vocabulary
(A)
Words for Production
1.
n. 衝擊
impact
Combat experience has a serious impact on some soldiers.
2.
atmosphere n. 大氣層；氣氛
The atmosphere is like a soft blanket that envelops and protects our earth from
direct contact with sunshine.
3.
layer n. 層
I love the sandwiches that my mother makes because they have a thick layer of
peanut butter in the middle.
4.
constant
adj. 不變的
The water level of that well is constant even in the dry season.
5.
evaporate v. 蒸發
When water boils, it evaporates into tiny drops called steam.
6.
rotation
n. 自轉，旋轉
The sunrise and sunset we see are, in fact, results of the earth’s rotation.
7.
particle n. 微小顆粒
If you look at sunbeams coming down from the sky, you can often see tiny
particles of dirt moving in the air.
8.
remain v. 仍然繼續
David’s business has remained successful despite the current economic
downturn.
9.
float
v. 漂浮
A lot of garbage floated on the surface of the river after the storm.
10. precipitation
n. 降雨（雪）
A desert is very dry land with annual precipitation below 400 millimeters on
average.
11. factor n. 因素
Safety is one of the important factors that attracts tourists to theme parks.
12. roughly adv. 大致上地
This plant is suited to small gardens because it grows roughly one centimeter a
year.
13. dense adj. 濃密的
Many forests are so dense that people can hardly find their way out of them.
14. pole n. 極地
Did you know that some penguins live only in the South Pole?
15. disproportion
n. 比例不均
That country’s debt is caused by the disproportion between production and
consumption.
16. circulation
n. 循環
Exercise can increase your heart rate and, thereby, help your blood circulation.
17. accuracy n. 準確性
The weather bureau is working hard to improve its accuracy and reliability.
18. forecast
n. 預測
Fortunately, we checked the forecast before we set out on the five-day hike;
otherwise, we’d have been trapped by the storm.
19. cautious
adj. 很小心的
Gerard is not slow in making his decision; he is just being cautious.
Words for Recognition
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
gravitational adj. 引力的
hail n. 冰雹
salinity n. 鹽度
solar adj. 太陽的
oceanography n. 海洋學
(B)
Words for Production
1.
bleaching n. 白化；漂白
The bleaching of flour has proven unnecessary and harmful to people’s health.
2.
warning n. 警告
The tsunami came so quickly that people had little time to run for their lives after
receiving the warning.
3.
marine adj. 海洋的
submarine adj. 海底的
The crew of the ship included seamen and marine engineers.
This submarine cable facilitates the communication between the two continents.
4.
creature n. 生物
My pet dog, Sprite, is a friendly creature; he always stays by my side.
5.
sensitive adj. 敏感的
Some fish are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and can live only in
natural environments.
6.
vulnerable adj. 易受傷的
The elderly and children are especially vulnerable to the complications of the flu.
7.
convey v. 傳達
Besides words, gestures and pictures can convey messages as well.
8.
nutrient
n. 養分
Milk is easy to digest and provides valuable nutrients.
9.
comparatively adv. 比較地
The south of Taiwan is comparatively warmer than the north.
10. shallow adj. 淺的
The roots of this tree are too shallow; that is why it fell down during the storm.
11. process
n. 過程
Can you demonstrate the process of operating this VCR for me?
12. starve v. 挨餓
The wages at that factory are so low that the laborers must work long hours to
keep from starving.
13. disaster n. 災難
The most dangerous thing about earthquakes is not the earthquakes, themselves,
but rather the disasters that follow them.
Disasters following earthquakes can take away humans’ lives, but never their
courage.
Words for Recognition
1. coral n. 珊瑚
7.
reef n. 礁石
snorkel v. 浮潛
ecosystem n. 生態系統
plankton n. 浮游生物
photosynthesis n. 光合作用
photosynthetic adj. 光合作用的
symbiotic adj. 共生的
8.
9.
10.
11.
zooxanthellae n. 蟲黃藻；單數為 zooxanthella
alga n. 海藻；複數為 algae
Celsius n. 攝氏
skeleton n. 骨骸
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Phrases and Idioms
1. according to 依照
2. keep an eye on 留意著
Fill in each blank with a word from the box below to complete the sentence.
accuracy, cautious, constant, convey, factor, impact, process, remain, vulnerable,
warning
1.
2.
A __________ has given by doctors who believe that the discovery of the new
virus can cause dangerously severe flu symptoms.
Despite the mayor’s explanation, the townspeople __________ in doubt about
the need for constructing a dam.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Do you want to be a volunteer? The __________ is very simple; just bring a
copy of your student ID and fill out a form. That’s it!
During the ski season, avalanches are a __________ threat that skiers must be
aware of at all times.
In this article, the author __________ his opinions about the current political
situation. In doing so, he shows his dissatisfaction humorously.
Layoffs can have a great __________ on families that are already suffering from
financial pressures.
News reporters have very challenging jobs. First of all, they must be sure of the
__________ of the information source before broadcasting the news to the
public.
The rescue team was __________ about rescuing people trapped under the
crushed building. It was dangerous because the structure of the building was
extremely unstable.
9.
Unlimited exploitation is one of the __________ that has exhausted the resources
on earth.
10. Young children are __________ to family violence; child abuse is one of
society’s most urgent issues.
Key: 1. warning 2. remain 3. process 4. constant 5. conveys 6. impact
7. accuracy 8. cautious 9. factors 10. vulnerable
Conversation
Jack and Vincent are neighbors.
Jack: Hi, Vincent! Look at you: Sunglasses, shorts and flip-flops ... Are you going to
the beach?
Vincent: You’re right, but I’m not going there to swim. Last month, I joined a
beachcomber club; all the members assemble on the beach every Saturday
morning.
Jack: Beachcomber? What’s that?
Vincent: We walk along the beach and pick up everything that doesn’t belong there.
Sometimes it looks like treasure hunting.
Jack: That sounds fun. Have you found anything interesting?
Vincent: Well, not really. However, it is reported that beachcombers in New Zealand
and the U.K. found ambergris that made them rich.
Jack: Now I’m really interested. Is it hard to get membership into your club?
Vincent: Not at all. We welcome anyone who is concerned about our environment
because we spend most of the time cleaning up the beach.
Jack: That makes sense. Last year, I cut my foot on a broken bottle while walking on
the beach.
Vincent: Why not come with me? My classmate is coming by to give me a lift, and
there still is time. He is cool, and I’m sure you’ll like him.
Jack: I need to write a report about my weekend activity. This is going to be an
exciting one! Do I need to take anything with me?
Vincent: Maybe your big Hawaiian straw hat?
Jack: Right! And I need to grab my shorts and sunglasses, too. Just a minute!
Vincent: Don’t keep me waiting!
Vocabulary and Phrases
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
flip-flops 夾腳拖鞋
pick up 撿拾
assemble 集合
it is reported 據報導
ambergris 龍涎香
membership 會員資格
give someone a lift 接（某人）
8.
grab 抓取
Comprehension Check
1. Why does Vincent go to the beach?
(A) To swim
(B) To meet his club members
(C) To hunt treasure
(D) To buy a swimming suit
2. What does the word “assemble” mean?
(A) To ensure one’s membership
(B) To assess the activity
(C) To get together
(D) To have fun
3. Have Vincent found anything?
(A) Sunglasses
(B) Not yet
(C) Ambergris
(D) A broken bottle
4. Why is Jack interested in beachcombing?
(A) He wants to find ambergris.
(B) He likes to make friends.
(C) He enjoys swimming.
(D) He has homework to do.
5. What can be inferred from the conversation right after it is over?
(A) Jack rushes home.
(B) Vincent gets into his classmate’s car.
(C) All the club members get together.
(D) Vincent talks to Jack on the phone.
Key: 1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (B) 4. (D) 5. (A)
One-week Weather Forecast
Date/
10/1
10/2
10/3
10/4
10/5
10/6
10/7
Month
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
Thu.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Heavy
rain
Drizzle
Partly cloudy
with occasional
rain
Partly
cloudy
Fog
Sunny
intervals
Sunny
5
2
4
3
2
3
4
Temp. (oC)
18 - 20
23 - 29
24 - 29
25 - 29
25 - 29
25 - 30
25 - 34
R.H. (%)
86
75
70
58
60
65
58
Probability
of
Precipitation
90%
70%
60%
40%
20%
30%
10%
Weather
Wind
(Scale)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
drizzle 毛毛雨
fog 霧
intervals 間隔
scale（風）級速
R.H.: Relative Humidity 相對濕度
Exercise
Vocabulary
Math each word with its antonym.
___ 1. alive
___ 2. beautiful
___ 3. dense
a. dead
b. deep
c. dislike
___ 4. difference
___ 5. enjoy
___ 6. float
___ 7. lose
___ 8. sensitive
___ 9. serious
___ 10. shallow
d. gain
e. light-hearted
f. similar
g. sink
h. thin
i. ugly
j. uncaring
Grammar
1. As + S. + V., S. + V.
As water particles reach the sky and become too heavy to remain floating in the air,
precipitation occurs.
2. not only…, but also…
They are not only beautiful, but (also) serve as home for different marine creatures.
Combine the pair of sentences into one.
1. I met John. I was taking a walk. (as…)
 __________________________________________
2. The rain lasted for two weeks. The flood destroyed most of the roads. (as…)
 __________________________________________
3. The car broke down. Nelson was driving on the highway. (as…)
 __________________________________________
4. The family is delighted. The news of his safety has reached home. (as…)
 __________________________________________
5. He is a writer. He is a pianist. (not only…but also…)
 __________________________________________
6. This shopping mall has many stores. This shopping mall has a gym. (not only…but
also…)
 __________________________________________
7. He donates his blood regularly. He works as a volunteer at a hospital. (not
only…but also…)
 __________________________________________
8. The ballet dancer is dancing skillfully. The ballet dancer is dancing gracefully. (not
only…but also…)
 __________________________________________
Translation
1. 今天不要開車吧。外面霧很濃。
 Don’t drive today. There is __________ __________ outside.
2. 經濟發展影響人們的生活。
 Economic __________ __________ people’s lives.
3. 請幫幫我的數學作業。
 Would you please __________ me __________ my mathematic homework.
4. 根據氣象報導，明天有陽光。(according to)
 __________________________________________
5. 媽媽時刻留意著她的小孩。(keep an eye on)
 __________________________________________
Key:
I. Vocabulary
1. a 2. i 3. h 4. f 5. c 6. g 7. d 8. j
9. e 10. b
II. Grammar
1. I met John, as I was taking a walk.
2. As the rain lasted for two weeks, the flood destroyed most of the roads.
3. The car broke down as Nelson was driving on the highway.
4. The family are delighted, as the news of his safety has reached home.
5. He is not only a writer but also a pianist.
6. This shopping mall not only has many stores but also a gym.
7. He not only donates his blood regularly, but also works as a volunteer at a
hospital.
8. The ballet dancer is not only dancing skillfully but also gracefully.
III. Translation
1. dense, fog
2. development, influences
3. help, with
4. According to the weather report, the sky will be sunny tomorrow.
5. The mother always keeps an eye on her child.