Question

Read the following extracts and answer the questions.

To visit Antarctica now is to be a part of that history; to get a grasp of where we’ve come from and where we could possibly be heading. It’s to understand the significance of Cordilleran folds and pre-Cambrian granite shields; ozone and carbon; evolution and extinction. When you think about all that can happen in a million years, it can get pretty mind-boggling. Imagine: India pushing northwards, jamming against Asia to buckle its crust and form the Himalayas; South America drifting off to join North America, opening up the Drake Passage to create a cold circumpolar current, keeping Antarctica frigid, desolate, and at the bottom of the world.

1. Complete the following suitably.
   The passage suggests that visiting Antarctica offers insight into geological processes and Earth's history by ______________.
2. How does the author imply the role of geological knowledge in understanding the Earth's past and potential future changes?
3. The writer says, ‘When you think about all that can happen in a million years, it can get pretty mind-boggling.’
   What is the most likely impact on the writer?
   1. Feels overwhelmed by the vastness of geological time scales.
   2. Is uneasy about the rapid pace of geological changes.
   3. Feels indifferent towards geological phenomena.
   4. Is surprised by the lack of significant geological events over a million years.
4. How might understanding the geological processes mentioned in the passage help scientists in predicting and mitigating future environmental changes, particularly in polar regions?

Answer 1

1. The passage suggests that visiting Antarctica offers insight into geological processes and 9 Earth's history by exploring Cordilleran folds, granite shields, and environmental factors like ozone and carbon.
2. The author emphasizes that understanding geological events—such as the formation of mountains, shifts in tectonic plates, and changes in ocean currents allows us to comprehend how Earth has evolved over millions of years. This knowledge offers insights into potential changes, especially in understanding climate shifts and environmental impacts.
3. Feels overwhelmed by the vastness of geological time scales.
4. Understanding geological processes, such as shifting tectonic plates and the impact of ocean currents, allows scientists to predict how the Earth's temperature and environment will evolve. This knowledge is critical in anticipating polar ice melt, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions, allowing for proactive environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.