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．______