Claiming the Arctic's Treasures

While the melting of Arctic ice has been detrimental to the region's fragile environment, it has been helpful to those trying to study the area. Record reductions of Arctic ice in recent summers have allowed teams to examine and map areas that were previously unreachable. Consequently, countries that may have a claim to ownership are scurrying to determine the shape and structure of the Arctic Ocean's floor. In the summers of 2008 and 2009. the U.S. and Canada partnered in expeditions to map the bottom of the world's least-explored ocean.

Two icebreaker ships with various technologies enabled researchers to record the shape and surface of the ocean floor and to collect data about what lies beneath it. As a result, recent mapping expeditions have been very successful. Scientists not only gathered evidence about national territories, but also charted underwater features such as mountains and volcanoes. Next month, Canada and the U.S. are preparing to embark on their third cooperative voyage. Their work will surely bring us closer to answering an urgent question: Who can rightfully claim the Arctic's resources?

detrimental adj.有害的/不利的

detrimettal to something 對...不利

eg: Drinking alcohol is detrimental to one's health.

=> 喝酒對健康有害。

eg: The sudden change of cast will cause detrimental effects to the movie that is currently filming.

=> 臨時換角對現在正在拍攝的電影會有不好的影響

scurry vi. 急匆匆地跑/急趕

scurry scurried scurried

eg: Tanya scurried into the office because she was almost late.

=> Tanya跑入辦公室，因為她快遲到了。

eg: Pam scurried to the preschool because she had to pick up her son.

=> Pam趕緊衝到托兒所，因為她必須接她的兒子。

embark v. 上船(或飛機等)

embark v. (本課課文指)開始從事/著手

embark on/upon something 著手某事

eg: We will embark on a new project next month.

=> 我們下個月將著手一個新的案子。

eg: After working for his father for 10 years, Larry decided to embark a new career.

=> 替父親工作10年後，Larry決定從事新的事業