内容正文:
23年高考英语外刊阅读理解训练——你能在水下生活吗
——改编自Can you live underwater
Living underwater has been a persistent curiosity for humanity, with many people exploring the idea of inhabiting the ocean floor in recent years. Oceanographers and architects have been working together to design ways for humans to survive and thrive in a submerged world.
One early pioneer of undersea living is Ian Koblick, also referred to as an ‘aquanaut.’ He has claimed that technology already exists to develop underwater colonies that can support up to 100 people. Koblick even created La Chalupa, once the most advanced underground habitat and research facility worldwide.
A more ambitious goal is being pursued by Japan's Shimizu Corporation, as they believe that the development of underwater cities could be possible. The corporation has designed a highly transparent globe called Ocean Spiral, which would be attached to the ocean floor. A tower running through it connects the surface to provide space for homes, offices, and even an amusement park accommodating up to 5,000 inhabitants.
The concept behind Ocean Spiral is to use the ocean's full potential by establishing a vertical link between the sea surface and the deep sea. Nevertheless, there are several engineering difficulties when planning an underwater city, mainly those related to constructing such a metropolis. Additionally, living beneath the sea will have significant effects on the human body, including increased atmospheric pressure that can lead to serious health complications like the bends. As a result, it may still be too early to begin packing our bags and setting up new lives three thousand metres under the sea!
In conclusion, while there have been several promising advancements in developing underwater living architectures, living below the oceans' surface remains a far-fetched endeavor that requires a great deal of innovation and resources.
【重点词汇】
1. persistent /pərˈsɪstənt/ adj. 持续不断的
2. curiosity /kjʊəriˈɒsəti/ n. 好奇心
3. humanity /hjuː