Concept Map Introduction and Outline
Topic: Ocean Acidification
The ocean is an important part of the ecosystem. Not only does it contain the vast majority of
the earth’s water, it is also home to millions of species of animals and plants. Acidification of the
ocean, which has increased 25% since the late 1700s, is harmful not only to the ocean, and not
just to the animals and plants that live in it, but also to the broader environment and even to the
global economy.
Issue: Change in ocean chemistry due to acidification
The ocean has rapidly become more acidified over the last three hundred years due to the
release of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels. Not only does this affect the
oceanwater itself; if the ocean becomes too acidic, it may become a harmful environment for
many of the animals and plants living in it. In addition, increased acidification leads to lower
levels of carbonate in the ocean, which poses a problem for animals that need carbonate-based
shells and skeletons. Harming the animal and plant life in the ocean in this way will inevitably
lead to changes in the larger food chain and ecosystem. In addition to these impacts, ocean
acidification can also cause negative effects on the global economy.
Problem
This concept map will answer the broader question of why ocean acidification is a problem. The
specific, more narrow questions that will be answered in this concept map are as follows:
1. What causes acidification of the ocean?
2. How does acidification of the ocean affect the ocean itself?
3. How does acidification of the ocean affect organisms within the ocean?
4. What are the impacts of acidification of the ocean on the larger ecosystem?
5. How can acidification of the ocean be effectively prevented?
Purpose
In writing this essay, I will largely be using both expository and descriptive writing in an effort
to ensure that I am being as unbiased and as objective as possible.
Audience
The audience for this essay will be my fellow students, as well as any other readers who may
be interested in the topic of ocean acidification and possible steps that can be taken to prevent it.
Outline
Introduction
Causes of ocean acidification
Manmade causes
Natural causes
Impacts of ocean acidification
Impacts on ocean environment
Broader environmental impacts
Economic impacts
Prevention of ocean acidification
Individual solutions
Policy solutions
Technological solutions
Conclusion
Bibliography
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and ecosystem processes. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65(3), 414-432.
https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsn048
Hardt, M., & Safina, C. (2008). Covering ocean acidification: Chemistry and considerations.
Retrieved from https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2008/06/covering-ocean-acidification-
chemistry-and-considerations/
Jones, N. (2016). How growing sea plants can help slow ocean acidification. Retrieved from
https://e360.yale.edu/features/kelp_seagrass_slow_ocean_acidification_netarts
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). What is ocean acidification?
Retrieved from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/acidification.html
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Understanding ocean acidification.
Retrieved from https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-ocean-acidification
Natural Resources Defense Council. (2015). What you need to know about ocean acidification.
Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/what-you-need-know-about-ocean-
acidification
The Ocean Portal Team. (2018). Ocean acidification. Retrieved from https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-
life/invertebrates/ocean-acidification
Union of Concerned Scientists. (2019). CO2 and ocean acidification: Causes, impacts, solutions.
Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/co2-and-ocean-acidification
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Effects of ocean and coastal acidification
on ecosystems. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ocean-acidification/effects-ocean-
and-coastal-acidification-ecosystems
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Ocean and coastal acidification.
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ocean-acidification
