8. Read the text and make a summary.

Solar Storm-Another catastrophe to hit in 2012

A new study from the National Academy of Sciences outlines grim possibilities on Earth for a worst-case scenario solar storm. Damage to power grids and other communications systems could be catastrophic, the scientists conclude, with effects leading to a potential loss of governmental control of the situation.

The worst storms can knock out power grids by inducing currents that melt transformers. Modern power grids are so interconnected that a big space storm — the type expected to occur about once a century — could cause a cascade of failures that would sweep across the United States, cutting power to 130 million people or more in this country alone. Such widespread power outages would affect other vital systems.

"Impacts would be felt on interdependent infrastructures with, for example, potable water distribution affected within several hours; perishable foods and medications lost in 12-24 hours; immediate or eventual loss of heating/air conditioning, sewage disposal, phone service, transportation, fuel resupply and so on," the report states.

Outages could take months to fix, the researchers say. Banks might close, and trade with other countries might halt. A remarkable 2003 rampage included 10 major solar flares over a two-week period, knocking out two Earth-orbiting satellites and crippling an instrument aboard a Mars orbiter.

"Without preventive actions or plans, the trend of increased dependency on modern space-weather sensitive assets could make society more vulnerable in the future."The report was commissioned and funded by NASA. Experts from around the world in industry, government and academia participated

Test yourself

1. …is a person who is injured or killed in an accident.

a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency

2. …is someone whose responsibility is to control a dangerous situation.

a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency

3. …is an unforeseen event where one causing injury or death.

a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency

4….. is an unforeseen or sudden occurrence, especially of a danger demanding immediate remedy or action.

a) leader b) accident c) casualty d) emergency

5. Leaders should …… to act in an emergency.

a) not hesitate b) think a long time c) assess d) cry

6. The leader must establish the nature and extent of……. without delay.

a) life b) the emergency c) chance d) situation

7. If an accident or other emergency occurs it is necessary to….

a) hide somewhere b) to stay in one place c) assess the situation calmly d) to phone to friends

8. The leader must….. that all group members are safe.

a) ensure b) think c) go away d) save himself

9. …is the systematic procedures that clearly detail what needs to be done, how, when, and by whom before and after the time an anticipated disastrous event occurs.

a) casualty b) emergency c) emergency plan d) accident report

10…… is a document describing any unplanned occurrence that leads to the injury of personnel.

a) casualty b) emergency c) emergency plan d) accident report

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