A
Heritage on the Edge
In an effort to preserve some of the world’s most famous landmarks，Google has announced a new project to transform a few of the most endangered by climate change into interactive 3D models，just in case one or all is irreparably(不能恢复地)damaged in the coming decades.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle comprises 27 buildings on top of an extinct volcano It was home to many kings and queens. But old roofs and rainwater management systems will become insufficient as they will be unable to deal with the level of storm water associated with extreme weather events. Besides，if temperatures continue to rise，the rate of decay(腐烂)will increase further.
Kilwa Kisiwani
Kilwa Kisiwani was a regional center of the medieval trading civilization along the East African Coast. Its permanent architecture included ports，Muslim buildings，and the unique“stone houses”. However，the drier weather and subsequently heavy rainfall is threatening the stability of the ruins，causing the worsening of this exposed heritage site.
Mosque City of Bagherat
The Mosque City of Bagherat was once a lost city. It has many Muslim buildings，bridges，roads and palaces. A recent report stressed the increasing impacts of sea level rise and changes in salinity(盐度)on this community. Increased salinity not only makes much of the water undrinkable but damages structures.
Chan Chan
Chan Chan was the capital city of Chimu empire，stretching for nearly a thousand kilometers along the coastline. The city planning reflects a strict political and social strategy. But site managers today face challenges in rainfall and droughts due to El Nino events and climate change that threaten to gradually wash the ancient city away.
1. What do we know about Edinburgh Castle?
A. It was built along the coast. B. It is the largest castle in the world.
C. It is in danger of being washed away. D. It used to be the home of royal families.
2. Which of the following phenomena is happening in the Mosque City of Bagherat?
A. Water pollution. B. Water’s becoming salty.
C. Water shortage. D. Water’s being overused.
3. What is probably the biggest threat to the above sites?
A. Temperature rises. B. Volcanic eruptions.
C. Sea water. D. Environmental damage.
【答案】1. D 2. B 3. A
【解析】
【分析】本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲述了由于气候变化的影响，四个面临濒危的地标性建筑。
【详解】1.细节理解题。根据第二段第二句“It was home to many kings and queens. ”（它是许多国王和王后的家。）可知，Edinburgh Castle曾是皇室的家园。故选D。
2.细节理解题。根据第四段最后两句“A recent report stressed the increasing impacts of sea level rise and changes in salinity(盐度)on this community. Increased salinity not only makes much of the water undrinkable but damages structures.”（最近的一份报告强调了海平面上升和盐度的变化对这一社区日益增加的影响。盐度的增加不仅使大量的水不能饮用，而且破坏建筑物。）可知，在清真寺城市巴赫拉特，水变得越来越咸。故选B。
3.细节理解题。根据第一段第一句中的“…, Google has announced a new project to transform a few of the most endangered by climate change into…”（谷歌宣布了一项新计划将一些最受气候变化威胁的地区改造成......）可知，这四个地标性建筑最大的威胁可能是温度的上升。故选A。
