How does the pressure change as you descend underwater?

How does the pressure change as you descend underwater?

• A. Pressure decreases
• B. Pressure stays the same
• C. Pressure increases
• D. Pressure fluctuates randomly

Answer: (C)

As you descend underwater, pressure increases due to the weight of the water above you. For every 10 meters (or approximately 33 feet) of depth in seawater, the pressure increases by about one atmosphere (ATM), which is equivalent to the pressure you feel at sea level. This increase in pressure is a direct result of the water above you exerting force due to gravity. Understanding this principle is essential for divers, as changes in pressure can affect buoyancy and are crucial for safe diving practices, including managing decompression and ensuring that equipment functions properly under the increased pressure conditions.

As you descend underwater, pressure increases due to the weight of the water above you. For every 10 meters (or approximately 33 feet) of depth in seawater, the pressure increases by about one atmosphere (ATM), which is equivalent to the pressure you feel at sea level. This increase in pressure is a direct result of the water above you exerting force due to gravity.

Understanding this principle is essential for divers, as changes in pressure can affect buoyancy and are crucial for safe diving practices, including managing decompression and ensuring that equipment functions properly under the increased pressure conditions.