Read the following passage and answer the question: A SPACEX rocket was launched from California carrying a US-French satellite designed to conduct the first global survey of the Earth's Surface waters, shedding new light on the mechanics and consequences of climate chantge. The Surface Water and Ocean Topography satellite, or SWOT, incorporates advanced microwave radar technology to collect high definition measurements of ocean, lakes, reservoirs and rivers over 90% of the globe. The data compiled from radar sweeps of the planet at least twice every 21 days, will be used to enhance ocean-circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts and aid in managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions. Components of the SUV sized sattellite were built primarily by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory near Los Angeles and the French space agency CNES. Nearly 20 years in development by the US space agency with contributions from its counterparts in Canada and Britain, SWOT was one of 15 missions listed by the National Research Council as projects NASA should undertake in the coming decade. One major thrust of the mission is to explore how oceans absorb atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide in a process that naturally regulates global temperatures and has helped to minimize climate change.
The data collected from SWOT satellite will be used in A. earthquake prediction B. improving weather and climate forecasts C. enhancing ocean circulation models D. managing freshwater supplies in drought prone regions. Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Understanding the SWOT Satellite Data Usage
The passage describes the launch and purpose of the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite. This satellite is designed to measure Earth's surface waters globally using advanced microwave radar technology. The data collected aims to shed light on climate change mechanics and consequences by providing high-definition measurements of oceans, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
The passage explicitly mentions several uses for the data compiled by SWOT.
Analyzing the Potential Uses of SWOT Data
Let's examine each potential use listed in the options and see if the passage supports it:
- A. earthquake prediction: The passage does not mention earthquake prediction as a use for the SWOT satellite data. The focus is on surface water, ocean topography, climate, and weather.
- B. improving weather and climate forecasts: The passage states that the data "will be used to enhance ocean-circulation models, bolster weather and climate forecasts". This explicitly includes improving weather and climate forecasts.
- C. enhancing ocean circulation models: The passage says the data "will be used to enhance ocean-circulation models". This is a direct match.
- D. managing freshwater supplies in drought prone regions: The passage mentions the data will "aid in managing scarce freshwater supplies in drought-stricken regions". This confirms its use in managing freshwater.
Identifying the Correct Combination
Based on the analysis of the passage:
- Option A (earthquake prediction) is not supported by the text.
- Option B (improving weather and climate forecasts) is supported.
- Option C (enhancing ocean circulation models) is supported.
- Option D (managing freshwater supplies in drought prone regions) is supported.
Therefore, the data collected from the SWOT satellite will be used in improving weather and climate forecasts, enhancing ocean circulation models, and managing freshwater supplies in drought prone regions. This corresponds to options B, C, and D.
Conclusion on SWOT Satellite Data Uses
The passage clearly outlines the key applications of the SWOT satellite's data. These include scientific modeling related to oceans and climate, as well as practical applications like managing vital freshwater resources. Earthquake prediction is not listed among its objectives or data uses in this text.
Revision Table: SWOT Data Applications
| Potential Use | Mentioned in Passage? | Supported? |
|---|---|---|
| A. Earthquake prediction | No | Not Supported |
| B. Improving weather and climate forecasts | Yes | Supported |
| C. Enhancing ocean circulation models | Yes | Supported |
| D. Managing freshwater supplies in drought prone regions | Yes | Supported |
Additional Information on SWOT and Satellite Remote Sensing
The SWOT mission is a prime example of how satellite remote sensing technology is used for Earth science. Satellites equipped with instruments like advanced microwave radar can collect data about our planet's surface features and processes from space. This allows scientists to monitor large areas, including oceans, lakes, and rivers, on a regular basis. The data collected from SWOT is crucial for understanding the global water cycle, ocean dynamics, and how these are affected by climate change. Information on ocean circulation, for instance, helps predict climate patterns and understand the distribution of heat and carbon dioxide, which are key factors in climate change. Measurements of freshwater bodies are vital for water resource management, especially in areas facing water scarcity due to droughts or changing weather patterns.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
