阅读理解。
Geography is the study of Earth and its climates. Scientists use it to study global (全球的) warming and
track (跟踪) the weather. Govemments use it to leam where people live and work and to plan what to do with
the land. It is now easier than event. use geography because of a science called space technology.
The United States launched its first satellite in 1958. Some space missions (使命) that followed were
geographical studies. In fact, earth science is a big part of the work of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA).
Astronauts looked out of the space shuttle (航天飞机). They decided to take photographs of Earth from
their vantage point. Over the years, picture quality improved. Shuttle photography now shows land features,
such as rivers. It can even show the streets oflarge cities. Photos of the same places at different times show
how the land is changing.
NASA does not use just photographs, though. In 1958 it launched TIROS (the Television Infrared
Observation Satellite). This first use of a satellite to study Earth was effective (有效的) in giving weather
forecasts. It led to the creation of new space tools to use in geography.
The Landsat Program began in 1972. This satellite sent detailed (细致的) views of Earth from space. The
pictures were so precise (精确) that scientists could count the number and kinds of crops in a field. Landsat
showed where Earth's surface had faults along which earthquakes might happen. This information helped in
the planning of new cities and factories. Landsat also made discoveries. In Antarctica it located ranges of
unknown mountains. It pinpointed small lakes in Virginia that were not on maps. Landsat, now more advanced,
still flies today.
Another space tool is Earth Observing - 1 (EO - 1). This spacecraft fiies right behind Landsat. It takes
pictures of the same sites. The two sets of pictures, viewed together, show how cities grow and how other
places, such as rain forests, become smaller over time. This helps scientists learn how people affect (影响)
geography.
One of the newest space tools is the Geographical Information Systems ( GIS). CIS is computer software
that helps scientists to study Earth. CIS is different from ear- lier space tools. Businesses, schools, and even
average people-not just the government-can use it to show them how changes in the planet might affect
them.
1. Why do govemments study geography according to the passage?
A. To improve the environment.
B. To make the land use plan.
C. To make new discoveries.
D. To count the crops in a field.
2. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. The U. S. satellite program began in 1972.
B. Landsat was able to take pictures of other planets.
C. TIROS was successful in giving weather forecasts.
D. GIS can only be used by the govemment.
3. EO -1 takes photographs of the same places as Landsat because  _______.
A. the two groups of pictures can show the changes of Earth
B. EO - 1 is practicing for future photography missions
C. Landsat is out of date and new pictures are needed
D. Landsat can't send detailed views of Earth from space
4. From the passage, we can infer that _______.
A. GIS is the newest computer to study Earth
B. NASA only depends on photos to study Earth
C. satellite pictures can give more detailed informations
D. recent U. S. satellites are as advanced as the old ones

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