CAE Reading and Use of English Part 2
For questions 9-16, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
The Moving Rocks of Death Valley
In the heart of Death Valley, 0 THERE exists one of the world’s most intriguing geological mysteries: sailing stones. These are large rocks, some weighing 9 much as 300 kilograms, that leave long, meandering tracks behind them on the flat, dry surface of the Racetrack Playa. For decades, 10 these rocks moved without any human or animal intervention baffled scientists.
Various theories were proposed, 11 from powerful dust devils to slippery algal coatings. It wasn’t until the early 21st century 12 a team of researchers managed to solve the puzzle. They discovered that the movement occurs under very specific winter conditions. 13 overnight rain freezes, it forms thin sheets of ice around the rocks. Then, 14 sunny days, this ice begins to melt and break up. A light wind is all 15 takes to push the ice sheets, which then nudge the rocks along the slick mud, leaving 16 those characteristic trails in their wake.
For this task: Answers with explanations :: Vocabulary
