Listening to the Ocean
Read Listening to the Ocean and check the IELTS Reading answers. The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the planet’s surface, yet until quite recently we knew less about their depths than about the surface of the Moon. The Moon has been far more accessible to study because astronomers have long…
Passage preview
The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the planet’s surface, yet until quite recently we knew less about their depths than about the surface of the Moon. The Moon has been far more accessible to study because astronomers have long been able to look at its surface, first with the naked eye and then with the telescope, both instruments that focus light. Until the twentieth century, however, no instruments were available for the study of Earth’s oceans: light, which can travel trillions of kilometres through the vast vacuum of space, cannot penetrate very far in seawater.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- climatologist noun
A specialized scientist who studies the prevailing weather conditions and patterns of a region over long periods
Climatologists rely on historical ice core data to accurately predict future global warming trends.
- distinguish verb
To recognize or treat someone or something as different; to perceive or point out a difference
Advanced algorithms can distinguish between background noise and actual structural flaws in the machinery.
- elusive adjective
Difficult to find, catch, or achieve; hard to comprehend, isolate, or define accurately
Despite years of dedicated research, a definitive cure for the disease remains elusive.
- heat capacity noun
The measurable amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a specific substance or environment
Water possesses a high heat capacity, allowing oceans to regulate global atmospheric temperatures effectively.
- instrumental adjective
Serving as a crucial means, agent, or tool in achieving a specific aim or desired result
The new funding was instrumental in allowing the research team to complete their clinical trials.
- penetrate verb
To succeed in forcing a way into or through something, especially against physical or metaphorical resistance
Sunlight cannot penetrate the deepest layers of the ocean, leaving them in complete darkness.
- phenomenon noun
A remarkable fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause is in question
The aurora borealis is a natural atmospheric phenomenon caused by solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetic field.
- salinity noun
The concentration of dissolved salts in water or soil, representing a crucial factor in oceanographic studies
Changes in ocean salinity can significantly alter global marine currents and weather patterns.
- transmit verb
To cause something to pass on from one place or person to another; to broadcast or send out
Water is an excellent medium to transmit acoustic signals over incredibly long distances.
- vulnerable adjective
Susceptible to physical or emotional harm; easily affected, influenced, or damaged by external environmental factors
Coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels and pollution.
Answers with explanations
- 1. TRUE
The statement claims that in the **past**, it was **easier for scientists** to study the **Moon** than the oceans. This matches the passage exactly, which states that the Moon has been "far more **accessible to study**" because **astronomers** have "**long been able to look**" at it, unlike the oceans. Because the text directly confirms the claim, the answer is TRUE.
- 2. FALSE
The statement claims the **techniques** for investigating both the Moon and the ocean are the **same**. The text contradicts this, explaining that astronomers study the Moon using instruments that focus **light**, but because light cannot penetrate seawater, the "best instrument" for the ocean "is **sound**." Since the passage explicitly shows the techniques are different, the answer is FALSE.
- 2-3: overlooked
2: The statement claims the **techniques** for investigating both the Moon and the ocean are the **same**. The text contradicts this, explaining that astronomers study the Moon using instruments that focus **light**, but because light cannot penetrate seawater, the "best instrument" for the ocean "is **sound**." Since the passage explicitly shows the techniques are different, the answer is FALSE.
3: The passage discusses **measuring temperature changes** in the ocean **using sound**, noting that scientists track these changes "over months or years." However, it never compares the time this takes to **other methods** to establish whether it is **more time-consuming**. Because this comparative judgment is entirely missing from the text, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 3. NOT GIVEN
The passage discusses **measuring temperature changes** in the ocean **using sound**, noting that scientists track these changes "over months or years." However, it never compares the time this takes to **other methods** to establish whether it is **more time-consuming**. Because this comparative judgment is entirely missing from the text, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
- 3-4: D
3: The passage discusses **measuring temperature changes** in the ocean **using sound**, noting that scientists track these changes "over months or years." However, it never compares the time this takes to **other methods** to establish whether it is **more time-consuming**. Because this comparative judgment is entirely missing from the text, the answer is NOT GIVEN.
4: The statement claims that **hydrophones** can **distinguish different kinds** of **rain**. This perfectly matches the source, which states that researcher Jeff Nystuen used **hydrophones** to measure "the **rainfall type**, ranging from **drizzle to thunderstorms**." Because the text provides direct evidence that hydrophones can identify different types of rain, the answer is TRUE.
- 4. TRUE
The statement claims that **hydrophones** can **distinguish different kinds** of **rain**. This perfectly matches the source, which states that researcher Jeff Nystuen used **hydrophones** to measure "the **rainfall type**, ranging from **drizzle to thunderstorms**." Because the text provides direct evidence that hydrophones can identify different types of rain, the answer is TRUE.
- 5. C
The question asks for **examples of things** that **affect the distance** sound can travel. Paragraph C provides this exact list, explicitly stating that factors like "**particles, salinity, temperature and pressure**" are what "influence **how far sound travels** under water".
- 6. F
The question looks for the **connection** between **ocean temperatures and climate**. Paragraph F details this link by explaining the "workings of **heat transfer between the ocean and the atmosphere**" and directly pointing out that the ocean "plays an enormous role in determining **air temperature**."
- 7. C
The prompt requires details showing how **light and sound** are **similar**. Paragraph C draws this exact comparison, explaining that particles in seawater reflect, scatter, and absorb sound "**just as**" particles in the atmosphere do the same for **light**.
- 8. G
We need a **reference** to a **long-term study** focusing on **different types of weather**. Paragraph G describes Jeff Nystuen's research that has been ongoing "**Since 1985**" (making it long-term) which successfully measures "the **rainfall type**, ranging from **drizzle to thunderstorms**" (different types of weather).
- 9. B
The question asks **who** researched the **rate** (or speed) at which sound travels in water. The passage explicitly credits "**Colladon and Sturm**" as the two scientists who "accurately measured the **speed of sound in water**." Therefore, option B is correct.
- 10. C
The question asks **who** researched the **distances** that **certain types of sound waves** can travel. The text clearly names "**Maurice Ewing and J. L. Worzel**" as the scientists who tested the theory that low-frequency waves could "**travel great distances**." Option C is the only correct answer.
- 11. A
The question asks what **SOSUS allows whale researchers to** do. Paragraph E directly states that researchers using this system can track "**many creatures simultaneously**." This translates perfectly to option A, which states they can **follow a number of whales at the same time**.
- 12. B
The question asks when **finback whale calls change**. The passage explicitly notes that researchers have noticed changes in these specific calls "**as the seasons change**." This corresponds directly to option B, "**at different times of year**."
- 13. D
The question asks what **SOSUS allows scientists to** do. According to Paragraph F, the system has enabled researchers to make "**ocean-temperature measurements**." This means they can **measure variations in temperature** across vast areas of the globe, which aligns perfectly with option D.