BBC随身英语:All at sea 海啸垃圾抵达美国海岸

The arrival of alien species is another cause for concern in the US. The concrete dock that drifted in to Newport, Oregon, was found to contain sea creatures originating from Japan that could threaten the local ecosystem. Some starfish prey on native marine organisms and the Wakame kelp is known as one of the worst invasive species outside its natural environment.

As the Hatfield Marine Science Centre's John Chapman explained on the International Business Times website: "In sheltered waters, the Wakame kelp can quickly form large beds that block out sunlight essential for the survival of native kelps, seaweeds, and other marine algae."

The debris is also a reminder of the human suffering brought by the tsunami that killed more than 15,000 people.

Jack Barth, a professor at Oregon State University's College of Oceanic Atmospheric Sciences, points out that some personal items found can provide some closure for families in Japan.

Sixteen-year-old Misaki Murakami, a tsunami survivor, was reunited with his football after it washed up in Alaska. His signature on the ball made it possible to trace him.

Murakami said: "I'm very grateful as I've so far found nothing that I'd owned."

Quiz 测验 1. How much debris from the tsunami in Japan is estimated to be floating through the North Pacific Ocean?

1.5 million tonnes.

2. In the material washed ashore, what is a cause for concern in the US?

The possibility of radioactive debris and species of animals and plants that might damage local ecosystems.

3. Is the following statement true, false or not given? Students are part of a group of beachcombers paid a salary to clean beaches in Oregon.

False. The group is made up of volunteers, according to the article.

4. What made it possible to identify the football's owner?

His signature on the ball.

5. What marine creatures are mentioned in the article?

Starfish (kelp is a plant not a creature)

Glossary 词汇表 washed ashore被冲上岸 the coast海岸 to spot偶然看到 debris碎片，残骸 to float浮 to drag拖 a beachcomber海滩清理者 a surfer冲浪者 radioactive放射性的 meltdown彻底崩溃 to drift in在海上漂流 the ecosystem生态系统 a starfish海星 Wakame kelp裙带菜海带 to block out阻挡 a seaweed海藻 marine algae海洋藻类植物 closure完结 to trace跟踪