VOA慢速英语:Very Large Crack Creating Iceberg in Antarctica

短语讲解：

1. Researchers say part of a very large shelf of ice on Antarctica could soon break off – and become an iceberg.

break off （使） 分离; （使） 脱离
例句：The two wings of the aircraft broke off on impact
飞机的两个机翼遭受撞击折断了。

2. The area is connected to land, but floats on seawater instead of sitting on top of the continent.

on top of 在…上边; 在…上方; 除…之外
例句：A group of youths hoisted their flag on top of the disputed monument.
一群年轻人将他们的旗帜升到那座备受争议的纪念碑顶上。

3. The new iceberg is not expected to change ocean levels around the world.

be expected to 被期待做某事; 有望做某事; 期许
例句：I shall be expected to shell out the money for the party.
我将要支付这个集会的费用。

4. “What we’re worried about is that this will put the ice shelf in a more unstable position, which will mean that the effects of climate change, such as melting of the ice, thinning of the ice, those can have a stronger effect now.”

worry about 担忧， 烦恼; 惦念
例句：Don't worry about me; I'm very well.
别为我担心，我很好。

5. It could lead to the collapse of the whole shelf.

lead to 导致; 把…带到
例句：That may lead to a serious split in our class.
那可能导致我们班的严重分裂。