Can Hurricanes Be Moderated Or Diverted? - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 6 Academic Reading Test 1 · Part 3 · Questions 27–40
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 27-40, which are based on Reading Passage 3 below.
Can Hurricanes be Moderated or Diverted?
A Each year, massive swirling storms bringing along winds greater than 74 miles per hour wipe across tropical oceans and land on shorelines—usually devastating vast swaths of territory. When these roiling tempests strike densely inhabited territories, they have the power to kill thousands and cause property damage worth of billions of dollars. Besides, absolutely nothing stands in their way. But can we ever find a way to control these formidable forces of nature?
B To see why hurricanes and other severe tropical storms may be susceptible to human intervention, a researcher must first learn about their nature and origins. Hurricanes grow in the form of thunderstorm clusters above the tropical seas. Oceans in low-latitude areas never stop giving out heat and moisture to the atmosphere, which brings about warm, wet air above the sea surface. When this kind of air rises, the water vapour in it condenses to form clouds and precipitation. Condensation gives out heat in the process—the solar heat is used to evaporate the water at the ocean surface. This so-called invisible heat of condensation makes the air more buoyant, leading to it ascending higher while reinforcing itself in the feedback process. At last, the tropical depression starts to form and grow stronger, creating the familiar eye—the calm centre hub that a hurricane spins around. When reaching the land, the hurricane no longer has a continuous supply of warm water, which causes it to swiftly weaken.
C Our current studies are inspired by my past intuition when I was learning about chaos theory 30 years ago. The reason why long-range forecasting is complicated is that the atmosphere is highly sensitive to small influences and tiny mistakes can compound fast in the weather-forecasting models. However, this sensitivity also made me realise a possibility: if we intentionally applied some slight inputs to a hurricane, we might create a strong influence that could affect the storms, either by steering them away from densely populated areas or by slowing them down. Back then, I was not able to test my ideas, but thanks to the advancement of computer simulation and remote-sensing technologies over the last 10 years, I can now renew my enthusiasm in large-scale weather control.
D To find out whether the sensitivity of the atmospheric system could be exploited to adjust such robust atmospheric phenomena as hurricanes, our research team ran simulation experiments on computers for a hurricane named Iniki that occurred in 1992. The current forecasting technologies were far from perfect, so it took us by surprise that our first simulation turned out to be an immediate success. With the goal of altering the path of Iniki in mind, we first picked the spot where we wanted the storm to stop after six hours. Then we used this target to generate artificial observations and put these into the computer model.
E The most significant alteration turned out to be the initial temperatures and winds. Usually, the temperature changes across the grid were only tenths of a degree, but the most noteworthy change, which was an increase of almost two degrees Celsius, took place in the lowest model layer to the west of the storm centre. The calculations produced wind-speed changes of two or three miles per hour. However, in several spots, the rates shifted by as much as 20 mph due to minor redirections of the winds close to the storm's centre. In terms of structure, the initial and altered versions of Hurricane Iniki seemed almost the same, but the changes in critical variables were so substantial that the latter one went off the track to the west during the first six hours of the simulation and then travelled due north, leaving Kauai untouched.
F Future earth-orbiting solar power stations, equipped with large mirrors to focus the sun's rays and panels of photovoltaic cells to gather and send energy to the Earth, might be adapted to beam microwaves which turn to be absorbed by water vapour molecules inside or around the storm. The microwaves would cause the water molecules to vibrate and heat up the surrounding air, which then leads to the hurricane slowing down or moving in a preferred direction.
G Simulations of hurricanes conducted on a computer have implied that by changing the precipitation, evaporation and air temperature, we could make a difference to a storm's route or abate its winds. Intervention could be in many different forms: exquisitely targeted clouds bearing silver iodide or other rainfall-inducing elements might deprive a hurricane of the water it needs to grow and multiply from its formidable eyewall, which is the essential characteristic of a severe tropical storm.
Questions
Questions 27–33 Matching Headings
Reading Passage 3 has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below.
Write the correct number, i-viii.
i. Hurricanes in history
ii. How hurricanes form
iii. How a laboratory exercise re-route a hurricane
iv. Exciting ways to utilise future technologies
v. Are hurricanes unbeatable?
vi. Re-visit earlier ideas
vii. How lives might have been saved
viii. A range of low-tech methods
Questions 34–38 Summary Completion
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.
Hurricanes originate as groups of 34 over the tropical oceans. Low-latitude seas continuously provide heat and moisture to the atmosphere, producing warm, humid air above the sea surface. When this air rises, the water vapour in it condenses to form clouds and precipitation. 35 releases heat—the solar heat it took to evaporate the water at the ocean surface. This so-called latent 36 of condensation makes the air more buoyant, causing it to ascend still higher in a self-reinforcing feedback process. Eventually, the tropical depression begins to organise and strengthen, forming the familiar 37—the calm central hub around which a hurricane spins. On passing over 38, the hurricane's sustaining source of warm water is cut off, which leads to the storm's rapid weakening.
Questions 39–40 Multiple Choice (One Answer)
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q27 | v | When these roiling tempests strike densely inhabited territories, they have the power to kill thousands and cause property damage worth of billions of dollars. Besides, absolutely nothing stands in their way. But can we ever find a way to control these formidable forces of nature | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that these big storms can kill many people and cost a lot of money because they are so strong that nothing can stop them. Then it asks, 'Can people ever find a way to control these very powerful storms?' Answer Explanation: The answer 'v. Are hurricanes unbeatable?' means asking if hurricanes are too strong for people to ever control or stop. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'v' because Paragraph A first describes how incredibly strong and destructive hurricanes are, causing a lot of damage and harm. Then, it ends by asking a question: 'But can we ever find a way to control these formidable forces of nature?' This question directly asks if hurricanes are too powerful to be beaten or managed by humans, which matches the meaning of the heading 'Are hurricanes unbeatable?'. |
| Q28 | ii | Hurricanes grow in the form of thunderstorm clusters above the tropical seas. Oceans in low-latitude areas never stop giving out heat and moisture to the atmosphere, which brings about warm, wet air above the sea surface. When this kind of air rises, the water vapour in it condenses to form clouds and precipitation. Condensation gives out heat in the process—the solar heat is used to evaporate the water at the ocean surface. This so-called invisible heat of condensation makes the air more buoyant, leading to it ascending higher while reinforcing itself in the feedback process. At last, the tropical depression starts to form and grow stronger, creating the familiar eye—the calm centre hub that a hurricane spins around | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that hurricanes start as groups of thunderstorms over warm oceans. The ocean gives off heat and water, making the air warm and wet. This air goes up, and its water turns into clouds and rain. This process also releases heat, making more air go up and getting stronger. Finally, a small storm starts and grows into a strong hurricane with a calm center called an 'eye.' Answer Explanation: The answer, 'ii. How hurricanes form,' means that paragraph B tells us *how* hurricanes, which are big ocean storms, begin and become powerful. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'ii. How hurricanes form' because Paragraph B explains the step-by-step process of how these storms develop. It describes where they start (above tropical seas), what feeds them (heat and moisture from oceans, warm, wet air), how condensation and rising air contribute to their strength, and what eventually forms their 'eye.' Key phrases like 'Hurricanes grow in the form of thunderstorm clusters,' 'tropical depression starts to form and grow stronger,' and the whole description of the cycle of heat transfer and air movement directly address the 'how' of hurricane formation. |
| Q29 | vi | Our current studies are inspired by my past intuition when I was learning about chaos theory 30 years ago. The reason why long-range forecasting is complicated is that the atmosphere is highly sensitive to small influences and tiny mistakes can compound fast in the weather-forecasting models. However, this sensitivity also made me realise a possibility: if we intentionally applied some slight inputs to a hurricane, we might create a strong influence that could affect the storms, either by steering them away from densely populated areas or by slowing them down. Back then, I was not able to test my ideas, but thanks to the advancement of computer simulation and remote-sensing technologies over the last 10 years, I can now renew my enthusiasm in large-scale weather control | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the researcher's work now comes from an old idea he had '30 years ago'. He 'was not able to test' these ideas back then. But now, because of new technology, he can 'renew his excitement' for these old ideas. This means he is thinking about his old ideas again. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the paragraph talks about going back to old thoughts or plans that someone had before. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'vi. Re-visit earlier ideas' because Paragraph C explains how the researcher had an 'intuition' about chaos theory '30 years ago' but couldn't 'test my ideas' then. Now, with new technology, he can 'renew my enthusiasm' for these old ideas about controlling weather. This clearly shows he is revisiting his past thoughts. |
| Q30 | iii | To find out whether the sensitivity of the atmospheric system could be exploited to adjust such robust atmospheric phenomena as hurricanes, our research team ran simulation experiments on computers for a hurricane named Iniki that occurred in 1992. The current forecasting technologies were far from perfect, so it took us by surprise that our first simulation turned out to be an immediate success. With the goal of altering the path of Iniki in mind, we first picked the spot where we wanted the storm to stop after six hours. Then we used this target to generate artificial observations and put these into the computer model | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that a team of researchers did computer tests, which are like lab work, on a hurricane named Iniki from 1992. Their main idea was to see if they could change its direction. They even chose a new place for the storm to go and put that information into the computer test. This shows they were practicing how to change a hurricane's route. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'iii. How a laboratory exercise re-route a hurricane,' means that Paragraph D talks about a special test done in a controlled setting (like a lab, but on computers) to change where a hurricane goes. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'iii. How a laboratory exercise re-route a hurricane' because Paragraph D explains how researchers used a computer simulation, which is a kind of laboratory exercise, to try and change the path of a real storm called Hurricane Iniki. The paragraph specifically mentions running 'simulation experiments on computers' with the 'goal of altering the path' of the hurricane, showing how they rerouted it in their test. |
| Q31 | vii | the initial and altered versions of Hurricane Iniki seemed almost the same, but the changes in critical variables were so substantial that the latter one went off the track to the west during the first six hours of the simulation and then travelled due north, leaving Kauai untouched | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that a test showed how small changes in a hurricane's starting conditions made it go in a different direction. Instead of hitting Kauai, the hurricane moved away, which meant Kauai was safe and not hurt by the storm. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the paragraph explains how people and their homes could have been kept safe from a very strong storm. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'vii. How lives might have been saved' because Paragraph E describes a computer test where a hurricane named Iniki was redirected. The passage explains that because the hurricane's path was changed, a place called Kauai was 'untouched,' meaning it was not hit by the storm. This suggests that people and property in Kauai were saved from danger, which connects directly to saving lives. |
| Q32 | iv | Future earth-orbiting solar power stations, equipped with large mirrors to focus the sun's rays and panels of photovoltaic cells to gather and send energy to the Earth, might be adapted to beam microwaves which turn to be absorbed by water vapour molecules inside or around the storm. The microwaves would cause the water molecules to vibrate and heat up the surrounding air, which then leads to the hurricane slowing down or moving in a preferred direction | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage talks about special power stations that will orbit the Earth in the future. These stations will have big mirrors to catch sunlight and special panels to get energy. They could then send out microwave beams to the water in a storm. These microwaves would make the water very hot, which would then make the storm move differently or slow down. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'iv', means that Paragraph F talks about cool new ways to use technologies that don't exist yet but might in the future. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'iv. Exciting ways to utilise future technologies' because Paragraph F discusses advanced technologies that are not yet available but could be used in the future to control hurricanes. It describes 'Future earth-orbiting solar power stations' with 'large mirrors' and 'photovoltaic cells' that 'might be adapted to beam microwaves' to slow down or move a hurricane. This directly relates to using new and exciting technologies that are still in the future. |
| Q33 | viii | Intervention could be in many different forms: exquisitely targeted clouds bearing silver iodide or other rainfall-inducing elements might deprive a hurricane of the water it needs to grow and multiply from its formidable eyewall, which is the essential characteristic of a severe tropical storm | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that there are many different *ways* to try and stop hurricanes. For example, by using special clouds that have 'silver iodide' (a chemical) or other things that make rain, which could take away the water a hurricane needs to get big and strong. Answer Explanation: The answer means that Paragraph G talks about many different, simple ways to try and change hurricanes. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'viii. A range of low-tech methods' because Paragraph G describes several *forms* of *intervention* to alter a hurricane. It mentions 'changing the precipitation, evaporation and air temperature', and specifically discusses 'targeted clouds bearing silver iodide or other rainfall-inducing elements'. These are presented as various possible *methods* to manipulate a storm, which aligns with 'a range of methods'. Compared to the advanced technologies mentioned elsewhere in the passage (like earth-orbiting solar power stations), these methods can be considered more 'low-tech' or simpler approaches to weather control. |
| Q34 | thunderstorms | Hurricanes grow in the form of thunderstorm clusters above the tropical seas | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that hurricanes begin when many small storms with thunder and lightning gather together over the warm water of the tropical oceans. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'thunderstorms,' means big storms with rain, thunder, and lightning. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'thunderstorms' because the passage explains how hurricanes *start* or *grow*. It says that hurricanes begin as groups of these types of storms over warm oceans. The word 'clusters' here means 'groups' or 'collections' of things. |
| Q35 | Condensation | When this kind of air rises, the water vapour in it condenses to form clouds and precipitation. Condensation gives out heat in the process—the solar heat is used to evaporate the water at the ocean surface | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that when warm, moist air goes up, the water in it changes into clouds and rain. This process, called Condensation, then lets out heat while it happens. Answer Explanation: The answer, Condensation, refers to the process where water vapor (like steam) in the air turns back into liquid water, forming clouds or rain. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'Condensation' because the passage explains that when warm, wet air goes up, the water vapor in it changes into clouds and rain. Right after this, the passage directly states that 'Condensation' is what releases heat. So, the word 'Condensation' accurately fills the blank in the summary, showing what causes the heat to be released. |
| Q36 | heat | This so-called invisible heat of condensation makes the air more buoyant, leading to it ascending higher while reinforcing itself in the feedback process | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage means that the heat made when water vapor turns into liquid (condensation) helps the air become lighter and float up. This rising air then helps the process continue and get stronger. Answer Explanation: The answer is 'heat'. This word refers to warmth or energy that makes things hot. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'heat' because the passage explains that when water vapor turns into clouds (condensation), it releases energy. This released energy is called 'heat'. The passage specifically mentions 'This so-called invisible heat of condensation makes the air more buoyant', meaning this heat helps the air rise, which is important for a hurricane to grow. |
| Q37 | eye | At last, the tropical depression starts to form and grow stronger, creating the familiar eye—the calm centre hub that a hurricane spins around | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that as a storm gets stronger, it creates a well-known part called the 'eye'. This 'eye' is described as the peaceful, middle part that the hurricane spins around. Answer Explanation: The answer 'eye' refers to the quiet, central part of a hurricane that the storm spins around. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'eye' because the passage describes how a tropical storm strengthens and forms this specific calm center. The text clearly states that the storm creates the 'familiar eye', which is further explained as 'the calm centre hub that a hurricane spins around'. This directly matches the blank in the summary that asks for the familiar part around which a hurricane spins. |
| Q38 | land | When reaching the land, the hurricane no longer has a continuous supply of warm water, which causes it to swiftly weaken | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that when a hurricane gets to the land, it stops getting a steady flow of warm water. Because of this, the hurricane quickly becomes weaker. Answer Explanation: The answer, 'land', means the solid part of the Earth, not the sea or air. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'land' because the passage explains that a hurricane quickly loses its strength when it moves from the warm ocean to a place where it cannot get more warm water. The passage explicitly states that when the hurricane reaches the 'land', it no longer has the warm water it needs, causing it to weaken fast. |
| Q39 | B | Back then, I was not able to test my ideas, but thanks to the advancement of computer simulation and remote-sensing technologies over the last 10 years, I can now renew my enthusiasm in large-scale weather control | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the writer could not try his ideas a long time ago. But now, because computer programs that create pretend situations and tools that see things from far away are much better, he can start his exciting work on controlling big weather like hurricanes again. Answer Explanation: The answer, B, means that the writer started to work on controlling hurricanes again because computers and sensing tools got much better. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B because the passage clearly states that new computer technologies helped the writer restart his research. The writer mentions that he couldn't test his ideas before, but the new 'advancement of computer simulation and remote-sensing technologies' allowed him to 'renew my enthusiasm' for controlling weather, including hurricanes. This shows that improvements in technology were the key factor in him resuming his work. |
| Q40 | C | The current forecasting technologies were far from perfect, so it took us by surprise that our first simulation turned out to be an immediate success | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage states that the tools used to predict weather were not very good at that time. Because of this, the scientists were surprised when their first attempt to change the hurricane's path worked right away and was a quick success. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the writer was surprised because their very first test worked exactly as they wanted it to. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is C because the passage clearly states that the writer and their team were 'surprised' by the positive outcome of their initial experiment. They were trying to change the path of a hurricane, and their 'first simulation turned out to be an immediate success,' which means it had the intended effect. This success was unexpected because, as the passage mentions, 'forecasting technologies were far from perfect.' Therefore, they were surprised that their intervention, despite the limitations of technology, worked immediately. |