Mauna Loa, the world’s largest active volcano, started erupting late Sunday in the U.S. island state of Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean. The volcano last erupted 38 years ago. But it is not expected to put people in danger.
At this point, melted(熔化的) rock, called lava, is predicted not to come near populated areas, but officials warned people to be ready to move away. The path of lava flows can change quickly.
Island officials warned people to stay away from the areas where lava is coming out because it can shoot 30 to 60 meters in the air. The gas coming from the eruption is also harmful. At the moment, however, the state said air quality on the island is good.
The eruption is a new experience for many people on the island. There are more than twice as many people living there compared to the last time Mauna Loa erupted. State officials are most concerned about an area about 50 kilometers to the south of the volcano where about 5,000 people live.
There is some concern about a weak area on the southwestern part of the mountain. If lava escapes from that area, it could threaten places where people live in just hours or days. The lava has never come up through that area during past eruptions.
The lava could flow toward the city of Hilo, which has about 45,000 people. That could take about a week. Scientists say they hope the lava flows like it did in 1984, when it moved slowly.
Hawaii mayor is Mitch Roth. He said the eruption “will be remarkable”, but he does not think it will cause problems for people visiting Hawaii. He said many people come to Hawaii to see volcanoes, but they have to travel a long way to a national park. Now, they can see an eruption much more easily. “You can just look out your window at night and you’ll be able to see Mauna Loa erupting,” he said.
【小题1】Why did officials give people a warning?| A．The way lava flows is uncertain. | B．Air quality on the island isn’t good. |
| C．The lava can shoot 60 meters at least. | D．The lava will reach where people live. |
| A．It is near populated places. | B．No lava has come up through it. |
| C．Many people live there. | D．It can stop eruptions. |
| A．People had better leave Hawaii soon. |
| B．The eruption is a possible danger to visitors. |
| C．It is convenient to watch an eruption in Hawaii. |
| D．The eruption is a once-in-a-century natural wonder. |
| A．People in Hawaii Are Ready to Escape |
| B．Volcanoes in Hawaii Always Attract Visitors |
| C．Damage of Volcano in Hawaii Is Not Clear |
| D．World’s Largest Active Volcano Erupts in Hawaii |
