Scientists say small changes in the sun's brightness can produce effects on Earth similar to two weather events in warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. The two events are commonly known as La Nina and El Nino. Reports say the study may lead to better predictions of temperatures, rainfall and the intensity of weather systems.Scientists measure solar activity by counting dark areas on the sun's surface. These sun spots produce bursts of energy. Other scientists have shown that sun spot activity can be measured in periods of time that last about eleven years. The total energy reaching Earth from the sun rises and falls by just one tenth of one percent across this solar cycle.In the new study, scientists examined more than one hundred years of ocean temperature records. They also used computer programs designed to reproduce the world's climate. They found the highest levels of solar activity cause small, but far-reaching effects on weather systems around the world. These periods of high activity are known as solar maximum.Gerald Meehl was the lead writer of a report about the study. He says his team showed the effects of a new process to understand what happens in the Pacific's warm waters where there is a maximum of solar activity. Professor Meehl works for the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. The center organized and helped to pay for the study. The findings were published recently in the Journal of Climate.The report says that, at maximum activity, the small increase in sunshine over several years causes a small temperature increase in Earth's atmosphere. This is especially true in cloud-free areas of the Pacific.The extra heat is enough to cause ocean waters to evaporate（蒸发）into the air. This wet air is then carried by trade winds to the normally rainy areas of the western Pacific, near the Equator（赤道）. This creates more rainfall. The trade winds become stronger as the process gets repeated. This keeps the eastern Pacific cooler and drier than normal. (1)What may people get from the American study mentioned in the passage? A.A connection between activity of the sun and climate of the Earth. B.A truth that tiny changes of the solar brightness could affect the Pacific Ocean. C.More precise predictions of the climate and the intensity of weather system. D.Two events known as La Nina and Ei Nino in warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. (2)According to the passage, how long is a solar cycle? A.One thousand years B.Approximately 11 years C.Less than 10 years D.More than 100 years (3)What's solar maximum? A.It is the period of time of the general sun spot activity. B.It is the year when the solar energy reaching Earth rises. C.It is the year when sunshine increases. D.It is the period of the highest levels of activity of the sun. (4)According to Gerald Meet what did his team show in their findings? A.A maximum of solar activity happened in Pacific Ocean which is turning warm. B.A new method to measure the level and intensity of solar activity. C.The impact of solar activity on the Pacific and the whole planet's climate. D.The reason why the Pacific Ocean water is getting warmer and warmer.

What may people get from the American study mentioned in the passage?

• A.A connection between activity of the sun and climate of the Earth.
• B.A truth that tiny changes of the solar brightness could affect the Pacific Ocean.
• C.More precise predictions of the climate and the intensity of weather system.
• D.Two events known as La Nina and Ei Nino in warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

(2)

According to the passage, how long is a solar cycle?

• A.One thousand years
• B.Approximately 11 years
• C.Less than 10 years
• D.More than 100 years

(3)

What's solar maximum?

• A.It is the period of time of the general sun spot activity.
• B.It is the year when the solar energy reaching Earth rises.
• C.It is the year when sunshine increases.
• D.It is the period of the highest levels of activity of the sun.

(4)

According to Gerald Meet what did his team show in their findings?

• A.A maximum of solar activity happened in Pacific Ocean which is turning warm.
• B.A new method to measure the level and intensity of solar activity.
• C.The impact of solar activity on the Pacific and the whole planet's climate.
• D.The reason why the Pacific Ocean water is getting warmer and warmer.