新西兰英语 764 South Island lakes need rain

 　　This morning, New Zealanders had an extra hour in bed because we turned our clocks back. Summer time is finished. Already, we can feel the mornings and evenings are colder. In most of the South Island, the day time temperatures are cold too. However, we are still waiting for rain.

　　The water level is low in South Island lakes. This water is needed for hydro electricity. Water from Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau and the lakes on the Clutha River turn the turbines¹ in the power stations to generate² electricity. 60% to 70% of New Zealand’s power comes from hydro-electricity and most of that hydro-electricity comes from these South Island lakes. Usually by the beginning of April, the lakes are nearly full but not this year.

　　We need rain in the lakes and in the mountains. Rain in the mountains flows into rivers which flow into lakes. By June, it will be snow not rain falling on the mountains. This snow will not melt³ until spring. We need rain in the next 2 months to fill the lakes if we want to keep warm in the winter.

　　Vocabulary

　　?water level – height of the water

　　?hydro – water

　　?flows – falls, moves

1 turbines   

涡轮机( turbine的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• These turbines can be broadly split into two basic types, the impulse and the reaction turbines. 这些汽轮机可大致分为两种基本类型，即冲动式和反动式。
• The steam is carried through pipes to steam turbines which drive the electric generators. 蒸汽经过输送管进入汽轮机，汽轮机再带动发电机。

2 generate   

vt.生成，产生（光、热、电等）导致

参考例句：

• We need someone to generate new ideas.我们需要有人出新主意。
• This book will continue to generate excitement for a long time.这本书将在很长一段时间里继续使人们为之激动。

3 melt   

v.（使）融化，（使）熔化，使软化，使感动

参考例句：

• If you warm ice,it will melt into water.如果你给冰加热它会融化成水。
• It is easy to melt ice.融化冰很容易。