Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- peninsula /puh-NIN-suh-luh/
- aviation /ey-vee-EY-shuhn/
- ash /ash/
- volcanology /vol-kuh-NOL-uh-jee/
- magnitude /MAG-ni-tood/
[noun] – a long, narrow piece of land that is surrounded by water on three sides
The Florida peninsula is famous for its beautiful beaches and warm weather.
[noun] – refering to the activity of flying aircraft, or of designing, producing, and maintaining them
He is studying aviation safety protocols to become a certified pilot.
[noun] – the soft gray powder that remains after something has been burned
After the fire, the ground was covered in a thick layer of ash.
[noun] – the scientific study of volcanoes and volcanic phenomena
Volcanology involves monitoring active volcanoes to predict possible eruptions.
[noun] – a measure of the energy released by an earthquake
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.5, causing buildings to sway.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On August 18, 2024, the Shiveluch volcano, one of Russia’s most active volcanic sites located in the Kamchatka Peninsula, erupted with considerable force, propelling a massive ash cloud 5 kilometers (3 miles) into the sky. This significant volcanic event happened shortly after a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale, struck off the east coast of Kamchatka. The eruption prompted a “code red” warning for aircraft due to the severe hazard posed by the ash cloud. Fortunately, reports indicate that no commercial flights were disrupted and there was no reported damage to aviation infrastructure.
The ash cloud from Shiveluch spread across 490 kilometers (304 miles) east and southeast of the volcano, impacting a broad area and raising concerns among local residents and authorities. In addition to Shiveluch’s eruption, the Ebeko volcano, situated on the Kuril Islands, also experienced an eruption, sending ash to a height of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). The Russian Institute of Volcanology and Seismology suggested that these eruptions might be connected to the recent seismic activity, but the precise relationship between the events is still uncertain. Scientists have warned that the ongoing seismic activity in the region could be a precursor to a more powerful earthquake, potentially occurring within the next 24 hours with a magnitude approaching 9.0. This warning brings to mind the historical magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck Kamchatka on November 4, 1952, which, despite causing substantial damage, resulted in no fatalities and generated waves that reached as far as Hawaii.
The ash cloud from Shiveluch spread across 490 kilometers (304 miles) east and southeast of the volcano, impacting a broad area and raising concerns among local residents and authorities. In addition to Shiveluch’s eruption, the Ebeko volcano, situated on the Kuril Islands, also experienced an eruption, sending ash to a height of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles). The Russian Institute of Volcanology and Seismology suggested that these eruptions might be connected to the recent seismic activity, but the precise relationship between the events is still uncertain. Scientists have warned that the ongoing seismic activity in the region could be a precursor to a more powerful earthquake, potentially occurring within the next 24 hours with a magnitude approaching 9.0. This warning brings to mind the historical magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck Kamchatka on November 4, 1952, which, despite causing substantial damage, resulted in no fatalities and generated waves that reached as far as Hawaii.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced or learned about a volcanic eruption? If so, what was it like, and how did you feel during that time? If not, what do you think it would be like to experience one?
- Have you ever been in a situation where natural disasters affected travel plans? If so, how did you manage the situation, and what did you learn from it? If not, how do you think you would react if your plans were disrupted by a natural event?
- Do you agree that monitoring seismic activity is crucial for preventing major disasters in volcanic regions?
- What could be the long-term impacts on local ecosystems after a major volcanic eruption?
- How might advancements in technology improve our ability to predict natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- massive
- earthquake
- damage
- authority
- generate