2006年10月-MPA联考英语模拟试题及答案三

文章作者 100test 发表时间 2007:02:25 09:27:54
来源 100Test.Com百考试题网

Passage One
Many of the most damaging and life-threatening types of weather, such as torrential rains and severe thunderstorms, begin quickly, strike suddenly, and disappear rapidly, destroying small regions while leaving neighboring areas untouched. Conventional (常规的) computer models of the atmosphere have limited value in predicting short-lived local storms because the available weather data are generally not detailed enough to allow computers to see clearly the small atmospheric changes that come before these storms. In most nations, for example, weather-balloon observations are taken just once every twelve hours at locations typically separated by hundreds of miles. With such limited data, conventional forecasting models do a much better job predicting general weather conditions over large regions than they do forecasting specific local events.

Until recently, the observation-intensive approach needed for accurate, very short-range forecasts, or "Nowcasts," was impracticable. The cost of equipping and operating many thousands of conventional weather stations was extremely high, and the difficulties involved in rapidly collecting and processing the raw weather data from such a network were beyond overcoming. Fortunately, scientific and technological advances have overcome most of these problems. Radar systems, automated weather instruments, and satellites are all capable of making detailed, nearly continuous observations over large regions at a relatively low cost. Communication satellites can transmit data around the world cheaply and immediately, and modem computers can quickly compile and analyze this large volume of weather information. Meteorologists (气象学家) and computer scientists now work together to design computer programs and video equipment capable of transforming raw weather data into words, symbols, and vivid graphic displays that forecasters can interpret easily and quickly. As meteorologists have begun using these new technologies in weather forecasting offices, nowcasting is becoming a reality. (291w)
31. What is the best title of the passage?
A. Severe Thunderstorm’s and Damages
B. Weather Forecasting and Life-threatening Damages
C. Science Advances and Nowcasts
D.Available Data and Nowcasts

32. Nowcasts are _______.
A. local forecasts
B. short-range forecasts
C. medium-range forecasts
D. long-range forecasts

33. Nowcasts used to be impracticable because _______.
A. there were no conventional computers
B. the cost of the equipping and operating was sky high
C. there were no difficulties in data processing
D. there were not enough meteorologists

34. Things have been changed by the following EXCEPT _______.
A. the use of radar systems and automated instruments
B. the use of communication satellites and modem computers
C. the joint work of meteorologists and computer scientists
D. weather information volume is large enough to compile and analyze

35. The dream of nowcasts will come true when_______.
A. the cost is lowered
B. people need it to reduce damages
C. meteorologists can make full use of the new technologies
D. conventional weather forecasts are got rid of