mild
a. 1. not serious or harsh 轻微的，不严重的
2. (of people or their behaviour) gentle and kind 温和的；温柔的

comparison
n. 比较，对照

temporary
a. lasting for a limited time only 暂时的，临时的

*minimize, -ise
vt. 1. reduce the true value or importance of (sth.) 把…作最低估计
2. reduce (sth.) to the smallest amount or degree 使减到最少，使缩至最小

harsh
a. severe; stern 严酷的；严厉的

runaway
a. out of control 失控的

account
vi. (for) explain the cause of 说明…的原因，解释
n. a written or spoken report; description 报道；叙述

shroud
vt. 遮蔽；笼罩

cloud-shrouded
a. 被云笼罩的

tackle
vt. try to deal with 着手处理，对付

revise
vt. change (sth.) in order to correct or improve it 修改，修正

dyke, dike
n. 堤，坝

reservoir
n. 水库，蓄水池

thermometer
n. 温度计，寒暑表

definite
a. clear, sure and fixed 确切的，确定的

era
n. 1. 时代；年代
2. 纪元

Phrases and Expressions

warn of /about
give warning or advice concerning (sth. such as a danger) 就…提出警告

result from
be the result of; happen because of 缘于，发自

dry up
(cause to) become completely dry （使）干涸

warn against
advise (sb.) to avoid 警告（…）不要，提醒（…）提防

on the rise
在增长；在上涨

in the form of
以…的形式

heat up
become warm or hot 变暖，变热

pass through 穿越；经过

hold in
把…控制住

shut in
keep or hold by closing 围住；笼罩

due to
caused by 由于

ups and downs
起伏

worst of all
最糟糕的是

by comparison
when compared 比较起来

even so
though that is true 尽管如此

explain away
account for; give an excuse for 解释；为…辩解

keep an eye open for
watch for; be careful to notice 严密注视；留心看着

Proper Names

Kevin McKean
凯文·麦基恩（人名）

Venus
金星