Climate change threatens Scottish historical treasures

江西萍乡芦溪中学 王 影

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难词探意

1.archaeology/,ɑːki'ɒlədʒi/n.考古学

2.batter/'bætə(r)/v.连续猛击

3.precipitation/prɪ,sɪpɪ'teɪʃn/n.降水

Historians are warning that some ancient British structures are being threatened by climate change.

One of the most affected places is around the Orkney Islands,which are off the northern coast of Scotland.The area is home to more than 3,000 historical places.But the islands have been severely affected by rising sea levels,heavy rainfall and severe weather events in recent years.Evidence has been found around the Orkney Islands that humans lived there as far back as 8,500 years ago.Some structures on the islands were built during the Iron Age,Viking rule and the Middle Ages.

Archaeologyexperts have estimated that about 1,000 historical sites are under threat.One of those identified is the Iron Age building South Howe Broch on the island of Rousay.Now,the sea has eaten away much of the site's western area.The main wall has started falling into the sea.Julie Gibson is with the University of the Highlands and Islands.She told Reuters news agency that she fears the whole structure will one day completely disappear.“Each year a little more falls as the seabattersit,”Gibson said.

A climate risk report for the Orkney's historical sites was published in July by the environmental group Historic Environment Scotland(HES).HES reported that the averageprecipitationrate has risen 27 percent in Scotland since the early 1960s.During the same period,winter precipitation has increased more than 70 percent in parts of northern Scotland,it found.

Wetter weather means buildings stay wet longer.This increases the chances of water entering deeply intostructuresand causing damage.Over time,such damage can cause structural collapse.

Climate records show that since 1970,some Orkney beaches have narrowed by an average of 40 centimeters a year.That compares to a yearly average loss of 20 centimeters between 1890 and 1970.

In addition,increasing and more intense storms are threatening the Orkney's historical sites,HES reports.One example is Skara Brae,one of Orkney's most famous places.Back when people lived in the area,it was about one kilometer from the sea.Today it is just a few meters away from the North Atlantic Ocean.

Reading Check

1.How many centimeters did Orkney beaches narrow in 1910?

A.About 40. B.About 20.

C.About 70. D.About 27.

2.What is Julie Gibson'attitude to the condition of Scottish historical treasures?

A.Worried. B.Positive.

C.Unconcerned. D.Uncertain.

Language Study

Sentence for writing

Evidence has been found around the Orkney Islands that humans lived there as far back as 8,500 years ago.在奥克尼群岛周围发现的证据表明，人类早在8，500年前就生活在那里。

【信息提取】Evidence has been found that...意为“有证据表明……”。

【句式仿写】有证据表明他也卷入了这起案件中。