填空题

Earthquakes are probably one of the most frightening and
destructive happenings of nature that man experiences. They
have caused the death of many human beings, much suffering
and greatly damage to property. Today, the study of earthquake 62．______
has grown greatly with scientists all over the world 63．______
investigating the causes of earthquakes. Scientists hope that their
studies will improve ways of predicting earthquakes and also
develop ways to reduce its destructive effects. 64．______
The scientific study of earthquakes is fairly new. Until the
18th century many factual descriptions of earthquakes were 65．______
recorded. In general, people did not understand the cause of
earthquakes. Many believe they were a punishment from God 66．______
and a warning for them to repent (忏悔). One early theory was
that earthquakes were caused by air rushed out the caves deep in the 67．______
interior of the earth.
On Nov.1,1755, a serious earthquake occurred near Lisbon,
Portugal. Shocks from the quake had felt in many parts of the world. 68．______
After the quake, Portuguese priests were asked to observe and to
make written records. These records were the first system attempt 69．______
to document the effects of an earthquake. Since that time, detailed
records have been kept to almost every major earthquakes. 70．______
Currently, scientists are making studies to enable them to
predict earthquakes. But at the present time, the ability to predict the
time, place, and size of earthquakes are very limited. 71．______