Geologists monitor volcanic activity to predict eruptions occurring beneath the ocean floor.
地质学家监测火山活动，以预测海底发生的喷发。
A separate research team led by Hana Yamada found that increased snowfall at the glacier's highest elevations, linked to a regional shift in storm patterns, is adding mass at the top of the glacier fast enough to partially offset the melting occurring lower down, though not eliminate it.
From a Cross-Text Connections question · Craft and Structure
Which choice best defines “occurring”?
A — Happening. “occurring” means happening.
Which word means “happening”?
D — occurring. “occurring” means happening.
occurring — happening. In Chinese: 发生.
occurring is pronounced /əˈkɜːrɪŋ/.
Geologists monitor volcanic activity to predict eruptions occurring beneath the ocean floor. (地质学家监测火山活动，以预测海底发生的喷发。)
happening, taking place, transpiring — all close in meaning to occurring (happening).
ceasing, stopping — each the opposite of occurring (happening).
Yes. occurring is on the SAT Prep Basic list — the everyday academic words the SAT assumes you already have. The Digital SAT does not test vocabulary in isolation; words like this one are tested through Words in Context questions, where you choose the word that completes a passage most logically and precisely.