8.The idea of getting freshwater from icebergs (冰山) that are pulled to populated areas and dry areas of the world was once treated as a joke more fit for cartoons than real life.But now it is being considered quite seriously by many nations,especially since scientists have warned that the human race will outgrow its freshwater supply faster than it runs out of food.
Glaciers (冰川) are a possible source of freshwater that has been overlooked until recently.
Three-quarters of the Earth's freshwater supply is still tied up in glacial ice,a reservoir of untapped freshwater so huge that it could carry on all the rivers of the world for 1,000years.
Huge glaciers that widen over the shallow continental shelf give birth to icebergs throughout the year.Because they melt more slowly than smaller pieces of ice,icebergs have been known to drift as far north as 35degrees south of the equator (赤道) in the Atlantic Ocean,To hold them and guide them to parts of the world where they are needed would not be too difficult.
The difficulty appears in other technical matters,such as the prevention of rapid melting in warmer climates and the guiding of freshwater to shore in great volume (量).But even if the icebergs lost half of their volume in drawing,the water they could provide would be far cheaper than that produced by removing salt from seawater.
24.Why do more countries consider getting freshwater from icebergs now?D
A.There are too many icebergs.
B.The huge glaciers may bring too many floods.
C.The population across the world changes too often.
D.Scientists have warned people of the serious situation.
25.The underlined word"overlooked"in Paragraph 2probably means"D".
A.had a careful look
B.a(chǎn)llowed to pass
C.taken seriously
D.failed to notice
26.What makes getting freshwater from icebergs difficult?B
A.The high cost and fewer glaciers.
B.Warmer climate and practical actions.
C.The slow moving speed of the icebergs.
D.The time of waiting for the icebergs'melting.
27.Which of the following might be the best title for the passage?A
A.Get Freshwater From Icebergs
B.Icebergs Cause Global Warming
C.Look for a Better Way to Get Water
D.Solve the Problem of Water Shortage.