The Earth is losing some of its major freshwater supplies. But the water is not in lakes or rivers.

The Earth is losing some of its major freshwater supplies. But the water is not in lakes or rivers. They are called “aquifers”(含水层). They formed deep underground as the Earth developed. Some aquifers are so deep that water from very heavy rains cannot reach them through all the rock and dirt.
Many aquifers provide irrigation (灌溉)water for crops. These freshwater are helping farmers in many countries. A new report says some aquifers are being emptied.
Irrigated agriculture is responsible for about 80 percent or more of freshwater use worldwide. A growing part of that comes from underground aquifers because of dry weather or farmers growing crops in areas with little rainfall.
But researchers say taking water from aquifers is creating a large problem. Scientists warn that there is not much that can be done to repair them. It is difficult to measure groundwater because it is so deep underground. It is also difficult to know how much water is there and where it is. The water from these aquifers may not be replaced for hundreds of years.
The report says seven countries use the most non - renewable groundwater for agricultural production. The seven are the United States. India, Pakistan, China, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. The United States is one of the world's major exporters of food. If China and India use up the groundwater they need to feed their populations, they would be forced to buy more food. This increased demand could cause food prices to rise.
The study shows that, while countries like Somalia are dealing with little rainfall, the world may someday face an underground drought. It's a really global issue. All countries around the world are facing this challenge. We don't have any great solutions or strategies to deal with this. So, at the very least, we need to have discussions to come up with new ways, new strategies that recognize this problem and manage how we might adjust our policies (调整 政策).
Any strategy must balance the short-term need for food for the world with the long-term survival of the Earth's aquifers.
8. Why is it difficult to recover underground water?
A. More water is drawn than it is added.
B. The Earth still lacks rainwater.
C. It is too deep for rainwater to reach.
D Researchers know nothing about it.
9. What's the result of the disappearance of underground water?
A. The US will benefit from it.
B. More rains will reach aquifers.
C. Fresh water in lakes or rivers will also disappear.
D. Food will become more expensive.
10. How does the author feel when stating the fact in the text?
A. Worried. B. Relaxed. C. Encouraged. D. Optimistic.
11. What may be the best title for the text?
A No Ways Can Save Underground Water
B. The Earth’s Underground Water Is Being Emptied
C. Agriculture Is Destroying Underground Water
D. Everyone's Duty Is to Protect Underground Water
【答案】