Earthquakes are probably one of the most frightening and destructive happenings of nature that man experiences. They have caused the death of many human beings, much suffering and greatly damage to property. Today, the study of earthquake 【S1】________. has grown greatly with scientists all over the world 【S2】________. investigating the causes of earthquakes. Scientists hope that their studies will improve ways of predicting earthquakes and also develop ways to reduce its destructive effects. 【S3】________. The scientific study of earthquakes is fairly new. Until the 18th century many factual descriptions of earthquakes were 【S4】________. recorded. In general, people did not understand the cause of earthquakes. Many believe they were a punishment from God 【S5】________. and a warning for them to repent (忏悔). One early theory was that earthquakes were caused by air rushed out caves deep in the 【S6】________. interior of the earth. On Nov. 1, 1755, a serious earthquake occurred near Lisbon, Portugal. Shocks from the quake had felt in many parts of the world. 【S7】________. After the quake, Portuguese priests were asked to observe and to make written records. These records were the first system attempt 【S8】________. to document the effects of an earthquake. Since that time, detailed records have been kept to almost every major earthquakes. 【S9】________. Currently, scientists are making studies to enable them to predict earthquakes. But at the present time, the ability to predict the time, place, and size of earthquakes are very limited. 【S10】________. 【S1】