英语听力：自然百科 地球力场 Earth's Force Field—19

 As the reversal approaches, the decay of our magnetic field will continue and cosmic radiation will get increasingly close to the Earth's surface. 

 

As the reversal approaches, the decay of our magnetic field will continue and cosmic radiation will get increasingly close to the Earth's surface. 

“Life on earth, although it would be affected¹ adversely² in some ways by the drop in intensity³ of the Earth's field, has figured out a way to live through these events.”

 

So what should we do to ensure the survival of the human race? 

 

“There is very little we can do directly about the geodynamo. It’s going to behave the way it wants. But now with satellites, we are able to look at it more closely, and maybe make some meaningful forecasts. So at least as a species, we have the chance to adapt.”

 

Life will change. The Earth will be subjected to more deadly radiation. The only visible sign of Earth's weakening defense⁴ would be in the skies. 

 

“You will probably find the aurora⁵ dappled all cross the globe,  even in the equatorial regions and places that we never see aurora.” 

 

The magnetic sphere has shaped Earth’s entire evolution. Without it, life as we know it, would not exist. Our planet would be barren. It protects us from the effects of solar storms. Although its polarity has reversed many times over the millennia⁶, mankind has never been around to witness it. All life will be affected by a reversal of Earth's magnetic field, but scientists have yet to discover evidence linking past reversals with mass extinction⁷ events. If we adapt, we should survive

1 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

2 adversely   

ad.有害地

参考例句：

• We commented adversely upon the imbecility of that message of telegraphic style. 我们对着这条电报式的愚蠢的留言发泄了一通不满。
• Widely fluctuating exchange rates may adversely affect international trade. 浮动幅度很大的汇率可能会对国际贸易产生有害的影响。

3 intensity   

n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度

参考例句：

• I didn't realize the intensity of people's feelings on this issue.我没有意识到这一问题能引起群情激奋。
• The strike is growing in intensity.罢工日益加剧。

4 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

5 aurora   

n.极光

参考例句：

• The aurora is one of nature's most awesome spectacles.极光是自然界最可畏的奇观之一。
• Over the polar regions we should see aurora.在极地高空,我们会看到极光。

6 millennia   

n.一千年，千禧年

参考例句：

• For two millennia, exogamy was a major transgression for Jews. 两千年来，异族通婚一直是犹太人的一大禁忌。
• In the course of millennia, the dinosaurs died out. 在几千年的时间里，恐龙逐渐死绝了。

7 extinction   

n.熄灭，消亡，消灭，灭绝，绝种

参考例句：

• The plant is now in danger of extinction.这种植物现在有绝种的危险。
• The island's way of life is doomed to extinction.这个岛上的生活方式注定要消失。